Long-Term Results of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Throwing Athletes Based on a Hybrid Technique

Abstract

Background: Tearing or attenuation of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow is a common injury in the throwing athlete. Several techniques for reconstruction of the attenuated or torn UCL have been developed.

Hypothesis: Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction based on a hybrid technique, with an ulnar osseous tunnel and suture anchor fixation on the humerus, allows throwing athletes to return to prior activity level and has a low complication rate.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of the UCL reconstructions performed in 34 throwing athletes, as based on a hybrid technique, over a 6-year period. All elbows were reconstructed with a tendon graft fixed through an osseous tunnel placed at the sublime tubercle and with 2 suture anchors placed into a bony trough at the humeral origin of the native ligament.

Results: Average postoperative follow-up was 6.9 years (range, 4.2 to 8.7 years). The average age was 20.2 years, with symptoms present for an average of 22.4 weeks before clinic presentation. Each athlete had pain with valgus stress or milking maneuver in addition to a documented tear of the UCL on magnetic resonance imaging. All experienced pain on the medial aspect of the elbow while throwing. Only 1 patient had new onset of temporary ulnar nerve paresthesia, for a complication rate of 2%. Of 34 athletes, 29 (85%) had an excellent result, defined as the ability to return to play at or above preinjury level. Of the 5 patients who did not return to preinjury level, only 2 were unable to do so secondary to pain.

Conclusion: Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction based on a hybrid fixation technique results in a low complication rate and allows full recovery to preinjury level of performance in the majority (85%) of patients.