Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in athletes using a cortical button suspension technique

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Biomechanical fixation techniques

Background:

• Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is common for overhead athletes.
• Existing techniques carry risks of tunnel fractures.
• Far cortical button fixation is a biomechanically sound option with limited clinical data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes of dual far cortical button suspension for UCL reconstruction.
• To assess return to sport rates and functional recovery in athletes.
• To report complications associated with this technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 23 athletes undergoing UCL reconstruction with far cortical button fixation.
• Minimum 2-year follow-up.
• Outcomes measured included return to sport, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, range of motion, and complications.

Main Results:

• 82.6% of athletes returned to sport at a mean follow-up of 47.2 months.
• Average DASH score improved significantly, and 87% achieved full range of motion.
• Only one reconstruction failure was reported.

Conclusions:

• Dual far cortical button suspension is a viable fixation option for UCL reconstruction.
• The technique demonstrates predictable return to sport and good functional outcomes.
• It potentially reduces the risk of tunnel fractures compared to other methods.