Functional outcomes of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with a novel double suspensory fixation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) has allowed the return of overhead athletes to throwing sports. We describe a new double suspensory (DS) technique using a single tunnel in the ulna and humerus, achieving fixation with adjustable loop buttons. METHODS: Inclusion criteria included skeletally mature baseball players with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of UCL insufficiency who failed a trial of structured nonoperative treatment. A total of 36 baseball players underwent DS UCLR, between 2011 and 2017, by 1 surgeon with minimum 2-year follow-up. The graft was fixated with an adjustable button loop on the humeral side and a tension slide technique with a button on the ulnar side. Pre- and postoperative Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation and postoperative Conway scores were obtained. RESULTS: The mean age was 19.8 ± 4.6 years (range, 14-35 years). All were male. Mean years played before surgery was 14.3 ± 4.6 years (range, 8-28 years). There were 32 (89%) pitchers and 4 (11%) position players. There were 13 (36%) high school, 20 (55%) college, 2 (6%) minor league, and 1 (3%) adult league athletes. The mean follow-up was 55.3 ± 23.7 months (range, 26-97 months). There was significant improvement in Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (33.2 ± 19.9 to 89.7 ± 15.1, P < .0001) and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (20.7 ± 16.7 to 93.6 ± 11.9, P < .0001) scores. Using Conway scoring, 25 (69%) had excellent, 5 (14%) good, 3 (8%) fair, and 3 (8%) poor scores. Mean return to play was 9 ± 1.5 months (range, 6-16 months). Only 1 (3%) athlete required a revision surgery and ultimately returned to play and 1 (3%) hardware removal. None developed ulnar nerve symptoms. CONCLUSION: DS fixation for UCLR in baseball players can lead to excellent clinical results and early return to play.