Outcomes With a Focus on Return to Play for Revision Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery Among Elite-Level Baseball Players: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background:

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is commonly performed among overhead throwing athletes. Previous studies demonstrated relatively high rates of return to sport after primary reconstruction. Outcomes after revision UCL reconstruction have not been widely studied.

Purpose:

To report the rate of return to sport after revision UCL reconstruction among elite-level baseball players.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed for high-level baseball players undergoing revision UCL reconstruction. Study bias was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scoring system. The primary outcome measure was whether the study participants were able to return to sport after revision UCL reconstruction. Secondary outcome measures included career length after revision and pitching performance statistics. Data were summarized with ranges, tables, and weighted averages. A subjective analysis was performed.

Results:

A total of 5 studies met inclusion criteria. The rate of return to sport at preinjury level was 62.8%. Among Major League Baseball pitchers, the rate of return to sport at the preinjury level was 68.8%. The rate of return to sport at the same level or lower (Major League Baseball, minor league, collegiate) was 78.1%. Time to return to sport ranged from 1.3 to 1.7 years. Mean earned run average after revision ranged from 4.87 to 5.04. Mean number of innings pitched per season after revision ranged from 36.95 to 50.5.

Conclusion:

This systematic review demonstrated a limited rate of return to preinjury level of sport among elite-level baseball players who underwent revision UCL reconstruction. Pitching durability and career longevity were inferior to results that were reported for players who underwent primary UCL reconstruction alone. This study suggests that outcomes after revision UCL reconstruction are not reliable and elite-level players should be counseled accordingly.