Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Elbow: The Docking Technique

Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in overhead throwing athletes. Since its initial description, the procedure has undergone a number of technical modifications and advancements. This has resulted in multiple described techniques for UCL reconstruction. One of the most commonly performed UCL reconstruction methods is the docking technique. It has the advantages of minimizing injury to the flexor-pronator mass, avoiding the ulnar nerve, allowing robust graft tensioning, and reducing the amount of bone removed from the medial epicondyle compared with previously described techniques. This article provides a detailed description and video demonstration of how to perform this technique. When precise surgical steps are followed and postoperative rehabilitation appropriately progresses, this procedure has a well-documented history of reliably returning athletes to competitive throwing.