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Published on: March 1, 2024
Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in elite throwing athletes
Jason Lee Koh1, Michael F Schafer, Greg Keuter
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 645 N Michigan Ave, Suite 910, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. jkoh@nmff.org <jkoh@nmff.org>
Summary
Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction using the docking technique safely and effectively restores high-level function in throwing athletes. This surgical method allows most athletes to return to play with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries cause significant valgus instability in throwing athletes.
- Effective surgical reconstruction is crucial for returning athletes to high-level performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the docking technique for UCL reconstruction.
- Describe a modified docking technique for UCL repair.
Main Methods:
- 20 high-level baseball players with UCL injuries underwent reconstruction using the docking technique with a palmaris or gracilis graft.
- A modified 3-strand construct was used in the latter 8 patients.
- Follow-up included clinical assessment and validated scoring systems.
Main Results:
- 18 of 19 eligible patients returned to their previous level of play or higher.
- Mean time to return to play was 13.1 months.
- Excellent or good outcomes were reported in all patients based on subjective scoring systems.
Conclusions:
- The docking technique for UCL reconstruction is a safe and reproducible surgical option.
- This technique reliably enables athletes to return to high-level participation with limited adverse effects.
