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Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Repair Using Suture Augmentation, Anchors, and Bone Tunnels
Benjamin D Crawford1, Rami George Alrabaa2, Kenneth H Akizuki1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Mary's Medical Center, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
Arthroscopy Techniques
|November 9, 2023
Summary
Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair with suture augmentation offers promising results for overhead athletes. This technique provides an earlier return to sport with fewer complications compared to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Upper Extremity Reconstruction
Background:
- Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) pathology is common in overhead athletes.
- Suture augmentation for UCL repair is increasingly utilized.
- Previous techniques involve suture anchors and nonabsorbable sutures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an alternative method for UCL repair with suture augmentation.
- To achieve an isometric UCL repair using a combination of anchors and bone tunnels.
Main Methods:
- The study describes an alternative augmentation technique for UCL repair.
- This method combines the use of suture anchors and bone tunnels.
- The goal is to create an isometric repair.
Main Results:
- UCL repair with suture augmentation shows promising outcomes.
- Advantages include earlier return to sport and decreased operative time.
- This approach avoids the need for graft harvest, reducing complications.
Conclusions:
- Ulnar collateral ligament repair with suture augmentation is a viable option for select overhead athletes.
- The described technique using anchors and bone tunnels offers an alternative for isometric repair.
- This method may lead to improved patient outcomes and faster return to athletic activity.
