The ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow (UCL) is frequently injured in throwing athletes, most commonly baseball pitchers. The ligament is reconstructed through bone tunnels using palmaris longus or gracilis autograft.
Results:
This study highlights the following technique for UCL reconstruction in over 2000 athletes.2
Conclusion:
When conservative management fails, ligament reconstruction can allow the athlete to return to their sport.1
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2.
CainELAndrewsJRDugasJR. Outcome of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow in 1281 athletes: results in 743 athletes with minimum 2-year follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2010;38(12):2426-2434.
3.
CiccottiMGJobeFW. Medial collateral ligament instability and ulnar neuritis in the athlete’s elbow. Instr Course Lect. 1999;48:383-391.
4.
DugasJRBilottaJWattsCD. Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with gracilis tendon in athletes with intraligamentous bony excision: technique and results [published online May 11, 2012]. Am J Sports Med.
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6.
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7.
TimmermanLAAndrewsJR. Undersurface tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in baseball players: a newly recognized lesion. Am J Sports Med. 1994;22(1):33-36.
