Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in javelin throwers: an analysis of return to play rates and patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although results after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) in baseball players have been well documented, the literature is replete regarding the outcomes after UCLR in javelin throwers. PURPOSE: To report outcomes after UCLR in javelin throwers. HYPOTHESIS: UCLR in javelin throwers will result in a high rate of return to play similar to that of previously published studies from athletes of other sports. METHODS: All patients who were identified preoperatively as javelin throwers and underwent UCLR between 2011 and 2017 with a minimum 2-year follow-up were eligible for inclusion. Patients were assessed with the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow score, Timmerman-Andrews Elbow score, Conway-Jobe score, patient satisfaction, return to sport rate questionnaire, and the occurrence of any postoperative complications. RESULTS: Eighteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Complete follow-up was available in 16 (88.9%) patients. The average age at surgery was 21.2 ± 2.0 (range, 18.6-24.9) years. At the final follow-up, the average Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow score and Timmerman-Andrews Elbow score were 77.3 (range, 18.7-98.4) and 91.8 (range, 70.0-100.0), respectively. Outcomes on the Conway-Jobe scale were as follows: excellent (n = 6; 37.5%), good (n = 4; 25%), fair (n = 6; 37.5%). Ten (62.5%) patients returned to play at an average of 12.2 ± 3.6 (range, 6.0-18.0) months after surgery. Two (12.5%) patients sustained a shoulder injury postoperatively; however, neither required surgery. CONCLUSION: UCLR in javelin throwers results in good outcomes with a low rate of reinjury/reoperation. However, the return to play rate (62.5%) and good/excellent outcomes per the Conway-Jobe scale (68.8%) are lower than what has been previously reported in baseball players and javelin throwers. Further investigation regarding outcomes in javelin throwers after UCLR is warranted.

Development of a return to play checklist following patellar instability surgery: a Delphi-based consensus.

PURPOSE: To date, there is no consensus for the appropriate timing or functional evaluation for safe return to play following patellar instability surgery. The purpose of this study is to develop a consensus-based return to play checklist following patellar stabilization surgery using the Delphi method. METHODS: A 3-part survey series was conducted following the systematic guidelines of the Delphi technique for gathering consensus from experts in the management of patellofemoral instability. All surveys were completed between July and November of 2017. A literature search was performed in SCOPUS and PubMed to identify existing sources on return to play following patellar instability surgery and determining patellofemoral joint strength in athletes, which served as the basis for the surveys. RESULTS: 12 of the 19 selected participants (63%) completed the first-round survey, 11 of those 12 participants (92%) completed the second-round survey, and 10 of these 11 participants (91%) completed the final survey. Of the final ten participants, there was representation from seven different states in the USA. Nine of the ten (90%) respondents endorsed the final checklist. The final checklist included eight overarching domains with defined and reproducible objective criteria. CONCLUSION: The standardized list of objective and reproducible criteria for rehabilitation outlined below should help practitioners focus more on patient-centred factors and less on arbitrary timelines. No prior study has gathered consensus from experts on this topic; therefore, this study should serve as a benchmark to help guide patients back to sport safely. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Contact Versus Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Is Mechanism of Injury Predictive of Concomitant Knee Pathology?

PURPOSE: To determine if mechanism of injury is predictive of concomitant knee pathology found at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: All patients aged 16 to 35 who underwent ACL reconstruction at our institution between January 2009 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Mechanism of injury was determined from patient history. The presence of meniscal or chondral damage was determined from operative records, while collateral ligament injuries were determined by the treating surgeon's diagnosis after physical examination and their review of magnetic resonance imaging findings. Patients with inadequate documentation, history of a subsequent instability episode following the initial injury, or prior history of knee pathology were excluded. RESULTS: Six hundred eighty-seven patients (169 contact and 518 noncontact) were included. A 2-fold increase in the incidence of collateral ligament injury was identified between the 2 groups with 114 (67.5%) in the contact group and 175 (33.8%) in the noncontact group (P < .001). Twenty-six patients (15.4%) in the contact group compared with 9 (1.7%) in the noncontact group had a grade III collateral ligament injury (P < .001). Chondral injury was identified in 41 (24.3%) patients in the contact group and 87 (16.8%) in the noncontact group (P = .05) with 9 (5.3%) grade IV lesions in the contact group and 4 (0.8%) in the noncontact group (P < .001). Eleven patients in the contact group (6.5%) and 15 in the noncontact group (2.9%) had a chondral injury to the lateral femoral condyle (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Although we found no difference in the incidence or type of meniscal tears, we found a significant increase in the incidence of grade IV chondral injury, chondral injury to the lateral femoral condyle, and grade III collateral ligament damage in the setting of contact ACL injuries. This knowledge can aid surgeons in preoperative planning and patient counseling. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Missed Thrower's Fracture of the Humerus in a Pediatric Athlete: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Humerus fractures caused by the throwing motion are extremely rare. They have been reported mostly in recreational adult athletes in their third or later decades of life. A pediatric thrower's fracture is even less common, with few reported cases. The pediatric version of this fracture is located in the proximal to midshaft humerus, distinguishing it from the adult type, which occurs in the middle to distal shaft. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old male pitcher experienced a "snap" in his right arm while throwing a pitch in a baseball game. He presented to the Emergency Department with right arm pain and deformity. He was misdiagnosed with a right glenohumeral dislocation and a reduction maneuver was attempted prior to any radiographic imaging. Upon further review of the imaging and outpatient follow-up, he was found to have a humeral spiral fracture consistent with a "ball-thrower's fracture." The fracture healed with conservative treatment and he returned to unrestricted sports participation. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Recognition of this fracture is important to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment of the pediatric patient. A thrower's fracture of the pediatric humerus is rare, but glenohumeral dislocation without direct trauma is even less common and has never been reported as a result of the throwing motion in a pediatric patient. Radiographic imaging is important, and consideration of the thrower's fracture should be in the differential for any patient presenting with acute pain and deformity of the arm resulting from throwing any object.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft versus allograft in skeletally mature patients aged 25 years or younger.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and revision rates of skeletally mature patients aged 25 years or younger who have undergone either BPTB autograft or deep-frozen, non-irradiated BPTB allograft ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-four patients aged 25 or younger at the time of surgery were identified as having a transtibial ACL reconstruction with either a BPTB autograft or deep-frozen, non-irradiated BPTB allograft by one senior surgeon (101 autografts vs. 123 allografts) over the study time period. Primary outcome measure included the need for ACL revision. One hundred and nineteen patients with at least 2-year clinical follow-up agreed to participate in secondary outcome measurement arm of the study and were administered the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale and IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation Form. RESULTS: The median Lysholm scores were 95 (40-100) and 95 (68-100) and the median IKDC scores were 95.4 (54.0-100) and 95.4 (72.4-100) in the allograft and autograft groups, respectively. The differences in the Lysholm scores and the IKDC scores were not statistically significant (P = n.s.). There were 13 patients requiring ACL revision, 12 allograft versus one autograft (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Although there is no significant difference in patient-rated outcome between ACL reconstructions using BPTB autografts versus BPTB allografts, a significantly higher rate of ACL revision was found in allograft patients. The results of our study support a growing body of literature that BPTB autograft reconstruction leads to lower retear rates in younger individuals, an important factor in the graft selection process for these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Tennis injuries: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment.

Tennis places high loads on the joints of players, with supraphysiologic forces being generated at the shoulder and elbow hundreds of times per match. Acute injuries tend to affect the lower extremity; chronic injuries usually involve the upper extremity. Commonly encountered upper extremity conditions include rotator cuff injury, internal impingement, superior labral tears, and epicondylitis of the elbow. Serving is the most strenuous stroke in tennis, with the highest peak muscle activity in the shoulder and forearm occurring during this stroke. The kinetic chain links upper extremity, lower extremity, and core muscle segments by transmitting coordinated activation and motion; in this regard, any pathologic process that disturbs the groin, hip, and abdominal musculature can further result in an increased risk of injury to the shoulder and upper extremity. Evolution in equipment and in play surfaces has also affected the type and frequency of injuries. Prevention programs that address the muscular imbalances throughout the kinetic chain may help reduce the incidence of both acute and chronic injuries experienced by tennis athletes.

Frequency, imaging findings, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of distal clavicular osteolysis in young patients.

OBJECTIVE: Atraumatic distal clavicular osteolysis (DCO) has been described in adult male weightlifters. Our purpose was to investigate the frequency, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of DCO in young patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with atraumatic DCO were identified in a retrospective review of 1,432 consecutive MRI shoulder reports in patients between 13 and 19 years of age. MRI findings of DCO, association with athletic activity, short-term clinical outcome after 3-6 months, and long-term clinical and MRI outcome after 2 years were analyzed. A pre-MRI questionnaire assessed the patients' athletic history including overhead activity and weightlifting. RESULTS: At a mean age of 15.9 years, 6.5 % (93/1432) of patients had atraumatic DCO, and 24 % were females. The combination of an overhead sport (basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming) and supplemental weight training was a risk factor for DCO (odds ratio = 38, p = 0.01). Ninety-three percent of patients responded to conservative therapy. On follow-up imaging, 71 % of DCO patients had acromioclavicular (AC) joint osteoarthritis (vs. 35 % in controls, p = 0.006); 79 % had flattening of the distal clavicle and interval widening of the AC joint to a mean of 5.0 mm (compared to 2.4 mm in controls, p < 0.001). Severity of DCO edema was associated with pain (p < 0.02) at initial presentation and with AC joint osteoarthritis (p = 0.004) on follow-up. CONCLUSION: In athletic teenagers, the combination of weightlifting and overhead activity is a risk factor for atraumatic DCO, and females are affected in 24 %. Long-term sequelae include widening of the AC joint and AC joint osteoarthritis.

Biomechanical comparison of graft fixation at 30° and 90° of elbow flexion for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction by the docking technique.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries have been successfully treated by the docking reconstruction. Although fixation of the graft has been suggested at 30° of elbow flexion, no quantitative biomechanical data exist to provide guidelines for the optimal elbow flexion angle for graft fixation. METHODS: Testing was conducted on 10 matched pairs of cadaver elbows with use of a loading system and optoelectric tracking device. After biomechanical data on the native UCL were obtained, reconstruction by the docking technique was performed with use of palmaris longus autograft with one elbow fixated at 30° and the contralateral elbow at 90° of elbow flexion. Biomechanical testing was undertaken on these specimens. RESULTS: The load to failure of the native UCL (mean, 20.1 N-m) was significantly higher (P = .004) than that of the reconstructed UCL (mean, 4.6 N-m). There was no statistically significant difference in load to failure of the UCL reconstructions fixated at 30° of elbow flexion (average, 4.86 N-m) compared with those at 90° (average, 4.35 N-m). Elbows reconstructed at 30° and 90° of elbow flexion produced similar kinematic coupling and valgus laxity characteristics compared with each other and with the intact UCL. Although not statistically significant, the reconstructions fixated at 30° more closely resembled the biomechanical characteristics of the intact elbow than did reconstructions fixated at 90°. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference was found in comparing the docking technique of UCL reconstruction with graft fixation at 30° vs. 90° of elbow flexion.

Functional results following surgical repair of simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures are common conditions treated by orthopedic surgeons. There is a paucity of information concerning functional outcomes in bilateral tendon ruptures. The aim of this study is to assess a series of 5 cases with simultaneous quadriceps tendon ruptures that underwent acute surgical repair with the purpose of identifying the functional outcomes as compared with unilateral injuries. We hypothesize that patients with bilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures have worse functional outcomes than patients with unilateral ruptures. METHODS: Five cases of bilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures were identified. All patients underwent acute surgical extensor tendon repair employing a 3-patellar hole and a locked, running, nonabsorbable suture technique followed by a 6-week period of immobilization and bracing for 10 to 12 weeks. Mechanism of injury, medical history, social history, operative report, and postoperative exam were recorded with a minimum 1-year follow-up. In addition, each patient completed a subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score at 18 months. Five patients with unilateral injuries and with similar medical history were included as age-matched controls. RESULTS: The mean age for the bilateral group was 54.8 years (range, 44-68 years). Mean postoperative knee flexion was 129 degrees and all patients had active, resisted knee extension. Only 1 patient had a medical comorbidity (diabetes mellitus). The mean IKDC score (mean follow-up, 25.4 months; range, 22-29 months) was 71.9 (range, 34.4 to 91.6), whereas the age-matched control group had a mean IKDC score of 88.3 (P = 0.23). There was no statistical significance between the 2 groups with regard to range of motion (P = 0.24), IKDC score, and return to activity (P = 0.29). CONCLUSION: Patients with early surgical repair of bilateral, simultaneous extensor mechanism ruptures exhibit adequate recovery and return to a high level of function. Our patients were younger than those reported in the literature and had minimal comorbidities. The IKDC scores reflected good outcomes in the bilateral rupture group, albeit lower than in the unilateral group.

Pectoralis major ruptures in professional American football players.

BACKGROUND: Pectoralis major injuries are an infrequent shoulder injury that can result in pain, weakness, and deformity. These injuries may occur during the course of an athletic competition, including football. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of pectoralis major ruptures in professional football players and time lost from the sport following injury. We hypothesized that ruptures most frequently occur during bench-press strength training. METHODS: The National Football League Injury Surveillance System was reviewed for all pectoralis major injuries in all players from 2000 to 2010. Details regarding injury setting, player demographics, method of treatment, and time lost were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 10 injuries-complete ruptures-were identified during this period. Five of the 10 were sustained in defensive players, generally while tackling. Nine occurred during game situations, and 1 occurred during practice. Specific data pertinent to the practice injury was not available. No rupture occurred during weight lifting. Eight ruptures were treated operatively, and 2 cases did not report the method of definitive treatment. The average days lost was 111 days (range, 42-189). The incidence was 0.004 pectoralis major ruptures during the 11-year study period. CONCLUSIONS: Pectoralis major injuries are uncommon while playing football. In the National Football League, these injuries primarily occur not during practice or while bench pressing but rather during games. When pectoralis major ruptures do occur, they are successfully treated operatively. Surgery may allow for return to full sports participation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Patients' under 25 subjective readiness to return to sport after ACL reconstruction with bone-patellar-bone grafts: Autograft vs. allograft.

Purpose: To assess the difference in perceived readiness to return to sport (RTS) within the first year postoperative period between individuals undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autografts or allografts. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction done either with BTB autograft or allograft from 2010 to 2018. Skeletally mature patients aged 14 to 25 were eligible for inclusion. Patients completed the Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARS) questionnaire postoperatively evaluating perceived ability to perform various activities to compare subjective ability to RTS. Those patients who were outside outlined cohort age, failed to complete a single post-operative survey, underwent revision procedures, or underwent simultaneous or staged additional ligament surgery were excluded. Results: Fifty-nine patients (20.1 ± 3.19 years, 57.6 % Male) were included in the study. Sixteen patients underwent ACL reconstruction with allograft (19.8 ± 3.43 years) while 43 patients received autograft (20.2 ± 3.13). At 3 months autograft recipients reported higher perceived ability to cut (P = .003). At 6-months, allograft recipients reported higher perceived ability to run (P = .033), cut (P = .048), and decelerate (P = .008) as well as a higher overall perceived ability to RTS (P = .032). At all other times, there was no significant difference between cohorts' subjective readiness to perform activities. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that at times within the first year of recovery following ACL reconstruction, patients who receive allografts and autografts may have significantly different perceived ability to perform activities or RTS. However, while present at various times throughout the first year of recovery, any difference in perceived ability to perform activities or in overall RTS is no longer present at 12 months. Level of evidence: Level II, Prospective cohort study.

Evaluation of information available on the Internet regarding anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Searching the Internet is one of the most popular methods for acquiring information related to health. The Internet offers physicians and patients easy access to a wide range of medical material from anywhere in the world. For many patients, this information helps formulate decisions related to their health and health care. An important caveat is that virtually anything can be published on the Internet. Although academic publications require rigorous peer review, Internet websites have no regulatory body monitoring quality and content. With a lack of external regulation, the information retrieved may be incorrect or outdated. The Internet can be a valuable asset for educating patients, but because of significant variability physicians should be familiar with the quality of information available. This article discusses both the strengths and weaknesses of information available on the Internet regarding anterior cruciate ligament repair.

Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic overhead athlete scores in asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers.

BACKGROUND: The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow score is a subjective questionnaire that has been validated and been shown to be more specific in overhead athletes than the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale. The purpose of this study was to determine a mean KJOC score and reasonable range of KJOC scores within which a healthy asymptomatic professional baseball pitcher will fall. It was hypothesized that healthy professional baseball pitchers would have very high KJOC scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: KJOC questionnaires were given to all healthy pitchers before the start of the season at all levels in 1 professional Minor League system. Pitchers were asked to complete the questionnaire upon reporting to their AAA, AA, or A affiliate team. Any pitcher starting the season on the disabled list was excluded from the study. RESULTS: KJOC scores were returned by 44 pitchers. The mean score for all pitchers was 94.82 (95% confidence interval, 92.94-96.70). The mean score for each question was greater than 9 of 10. The mean score for the AAA affiliate was significantly higher than that for the AA affiliate (P = .015). No other significant differences in scores were found between class levels or groups based on professional playing experience. CONCLUSION: Only 7 of 44 healthy asymptomatic pitchers (16%) had a KJOC score below 90. Therefore, we believe that the KJOC score is an accurate assessment for overhead athletes and normal values should be greater than 90. Anything below this value could be a potential cause for concern for team physicians. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science, Survey Study, Healthy Subjects.

Contribution of osseous and muscular stabilizing effects with the Latarjet procedure for anterior instability without glenoid bone loss.

BACKGROUND: The Latarjet procedure is used to treat anterior shoulder instability. Authors contend that the main concept of the operation is using the conjoined tendon as a sling to lower the subscapularis, reinforcing the anteroinferior capsule. The effects of the "sling," as well as stability and range of motion (ROM), after the Latarjet procedure have not been documented. In this study, we test the Latarjet procedure, attempting to account for the effect of the conjoined tendon. We also use the model to characterize the kinematic effects and stabilizing mechanism of the Latarjet procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six cadaveric shoulders were tested in the intact state, after anterior capsulotomy, and after the Latarjet procedure. An apparatus was designed that allowed for loading of the conjoined tendon. ROM and translation were quantified. After conclusion of testing in the Latarjet group, the conjoined tendon was released and specimens were retested to determine stability attributable to the sling effect versus the osseous effect alone. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences with regard to ROM after the Latarjet procedure. The Latarjet procedure did significantly decrease anteroinferior translation. However, when the conjoined tendon was unloaded, there was a significantly decreased resistance to anterior translation. After conjoined tendon release, there was no effect on inferior translation. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that the Latarjet procedure successfully decreases anteroinferior translation while maintaining ROM. It did not support the belief that inferior stability is provided by the sling effect. The model developed can serve as the basis for future testing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: basic science study, biomechanics.

Outcomes after distal biceps repair in patients with workers' compensation claims.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have suggested that patients with workers' compensation (WC) related injuries have less successful postsurgical outcomes compared to the general population. The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome and return to work for WC patients who have undergone distal biceps tendon repair (DBTR). A group of patients without a WC claim (non-WC) served as a control. METHODS: From July 2002 to December 2009, 60 WC patients and 63 non-WC patients who underwent unilateral, acute (<6 weeks) DBTR and had a minimum of 12 months of postoperative follow-up were contacted. Data pertaining to patient age, sex, handedness, smoking status, occupation, time to return to work, and ability to return to original occupation were obtained. Functional outcomes were primarily assessed with the DASH, DASH-Work Module, and DASH Sports/Performance Arts Module questionnaires. Outcomes in the WC group were compared to the non-WC group. RESULTS: Average length of follow-up was 3.55 years (range, 1.5-8.9) in the WC group and 3.64 years (range, 2.2-8.0) in the non-WC group. Mean DASH, DASH-Work Module, and Sports/Performance Arts Module scores were significantly greater (poorer outcome) in the WC group than in the non-WC group. Average time to return to full duty was 3.95 months in the WC group and 1.35 months in the non-WC group. CONCLUSION: WC patients who underwent distal biceps tendon repair took longer to return to work and had worse DASH scores than non-WC patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study, Treatment Study.

Surgical restoration/repair of articular cartilage injuries in athletes.

Articular cartilage injuries of the knee are an increasingly common source of pain and dysfunction, particularly in the athletic population. In the athlete, untreated articular cartilage defects can represent a career threatening injury and create a significant obstacle in returning to full athletic participation. The markedly limited healing potential of articular cartilage often leads to continued deterioration and progressive functional limitations. Numerous studies have shown that full thickness articular cartilage lesions are frequently encountered at the time of arthroscopy, particularly associated with athletic injury. A variety of surgical treatment options exist, including debridement, microfracture, osteochondral autograft, osteochondral allograft, and autologous chondrocyte implantation. Each technique has advantages and limitations for restoring articular cartilage function, and emerging technology continues to improve the results of treatment. Our article provides an evidence-based review on the etiology and prevalence of articular cartilage injuries in athletes, along with the principles and techniques available for restoring articular cartilage function following injury.

Clinical Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstructions With Concomitant Ulnar Nerve Transposition in Overhead Athletes: A Matched Cohort Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Injury of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) has become increasingly common, particularly in overhead athletes. There is no consensus on management of the ulnar nerve in UCL reconstruction (UCLR) in patients with preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms, as literature supports both not decompressing the nerve as well as ulnar nerve transposition (UNT). HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare subjective clinical outcomes and return-to-sports (RTS) metrics between patients who received UNT during UCLR and a matched cohort who underwent UCLR alone. We hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in patient outcomes or RTS metrics between the cohorts. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Using an institutional database, patients who underwent UCLR with UNT between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively identified. These patients were matched based on sex, age at surgery (±3 years), and body mass index (±2 kg/m2) to a comparison group that underwent UCLR alone. Patients completed the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder & Elbow (KJOC) score, the Timmerman and Andrews elbow score, the Conway-Jobe scale, and custom patient satisfaction and RTS questionnaires. RESULTS: Thirty patients who underwent UCLR with concomitant UNT and 30 matched patients who underwent UCLR without UNT were available for follow-up at a mean of 6.9 (3.4-9.9) and 8.1 (3.4-13.9) years, respectively. The UNT group reported similar KJOC (78.4 in UNT vs 76.8; P = .780), Conway-Jobe (60% excellent in UNT vs 77% excellent; P = .504), Timmerman and Andrews (86.2 in UNT vs 88.8; P = .496), and satisfaction scores (85.3% in UNT vs 89.3%; P = .512) compared with UCLR group. In terms of RTS rate (84% in UNT vs 93% in UCLR; P = .289) and duration required to RTS (11.1 months in UNT vs 12.5 months in UCLR; P = .176), the 2 groups did not significantly differ. Finally, despite significant differences in preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms (100% in UNT vs 7% in UCLR; P < .001), the 2 groups did not statistically differ in the proportion of patients who experienced postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms (13% in UNT vs 0% in UCLR; P = .112). CONCLUSION: This matched cohort analysis showed no statistically significant differences in patient-reported outcomes and RTS between patients undergoing UCLR with and without UNT.

In Vivo Effect of Partial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear Location on Ulnohumeral Joint Gapping With Stress Ultrasound in Baseball Pitchers.

BACKGROUND: Stress ultrasonography (SUS) has provided clinicians with an alternative means of evaluating ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury by dynamically assessing ulnohumeral joint space gapping under applied valgus stress. However, 3 previous cadaveric studies have evaluated the biomechanical effect of partial UCL tears at different anatomic locations with conflicting results. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to use in vivo data from patients with magnetic resonance (MR)-confirmed partial UCL tears to determine if anatomic partial tear location influenced the resultant stability of the elbow in terms of ulnohumeral joint gapping on SUS. It was hypothesized that no difference would be seen in the amount of ulnohumeral joint gapping based on MR-identified anatomic partial UCL tear location. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with elbow injury from 2015 to 2020 were screened to identify competitive baseball pitchers with a partial UCL tear who received an SUS. Partial UCL tear was diagnosed via surgeon and radiologist interpretation of elbow MR imaging (MRI) as well as confirmation at the time of surgery as documented in the operative report. Demographic, injury, and treatment data were collected from the clinic notes, MRI reports, and stress ultrasound reports. Ulnohumeral joint gapping on SUS was calculated as the difference between ulnohumeral joint gapping without valgus stress versus ulnohumeral joint gapping with valgus stress (delta) as performed by a musculoskeletal radiologist. RESULTS: Overall, 60 male baseball pitchers (age, 19.2 ± 2.1 years), including 22 (37%) high school, 26 (43%) collegiate, and 12 (20%) professional pitchers, were evaluated. Regarding the location of partial UCL tears, 32 (53%) pitchers had proximal tears and 28 (47%) had distal tears. The mean delta value cohort was 2.1 ± 1.1 mm, and 34 pitchers (57%) had delta values >2.0 mm. Ulnohumeral joint gapping (high school [1.9 mm] vs collegiate [2.6 mm] vs professional [1.6 mm]; P = .004) and the percentage of pitchers with delta values >2.0 mm (45% vs 77% vs 33%; P = .017) differed based on level of competition. After controlling for age, body mass index, and level of competition in a multivariate linear regression, tear location was not related to ulnohumeral joint gapping (P = .499). CONCLUSION: No difference was observed in the amount of ulnohumeral joint gapping on SUS in symptomatic baseball pitchers with MR-identified partial UCL tears at differing anatomic locations. The findings of this study are contrary to previous cadaveric studies that have evaluated the effects of UCL tear characteristics on delta laxity.

Return to play after Type II superior labral anterior-posterior lesion repairs in athletes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions are a common cause of pain and disability in athletes. Individual studies have suggested low patient satisfaction with SLAP repairs in throwing athletes in particular and it is unclear how frequently athletes return to their previous level of competetion. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We systematically reviewed the literature to determine (1) patient satisfaction and (2) return to play at previous level of competition among throwing athletes compared to all athletes who underwent repair of Type II SLAP tears using various types of fixation. METHODS: We searched databases for English-language articles in peer-reviewed journals from 1950 to 2010 reporting Type II SLAP repairs with 2-year followup for our systematic review. A total of 506 patients with Type II SLAP tears were reviewed from 14 studies; of these, 327 had SLAP lesions repaired by anchor, 169 by tacks, and 10 by staples. Of the 506 patients, 198 were overhead athletes with a pooled subset of 81 identified baseball players. RESULTS: For the entire patient population, 83% had "good-to-excellent" patient satisfaction and 73% returned to their previous level of play whereas only 63% of overhead athletes returned to their previous level of play. Anchor repair in overhead athletes resulted in a higher percentage of "good-to-excellent" patient satisfaction (88% versus 74%) and a slightly higher return to play rate (63% versus 57%) compared with tack repair. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of Type II SLAP tears leads to a return to previous level of play in most patients. Overhead athletes appear to have a lower rate of return to level of previous of play. Anchor fixation appears to be the most favorable fixation in both subjective scores and return to previous level of play.

Biceps tenotomy versus tenodesis: clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: We present a systematic review of the current literature regarding the use of the 2 most common surgical treatments for lesions of the long head of the biceps brachii, tenotomy or tenodesis. Currently, there is no consensus management in the literature because most studies lack high levels of evidence. METHODS: PubMed was systematically reviewed for eligible articles relating to biceps tenotomy or tenodesis. Level I to IV evidence and English-language studies reporting on the clinical outcomes of these 2 procedures were included. The primary clinical outcome measurements for each study were determined and were normalized and reported as the percentage of "excellent/good" versus "poor" results based on criteria laid out in each study. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. All articles reviewed were of Level IV evidence, except for one Level II prospective cohort study.(10) All studies, a total of 433 tenodesis procedures resulted in an excellent/good outcome in 74% of patients, with an 8% rate of cosmetic deformity. A total of 699 tenotomy procedures resulted in an excellent/good outcome in 77% of patients, with a 43% occurrence of cosmetic deformity. Postoperative bicipital pain was found in 43 of 226 cases (19%) of tenotomy and 18 of 74 cases (24%) of tenodesis. The 4 studies that compared the procedures directly did not show any significant clinical differences between the groups other than a cosmetic deformity being present more frequently after tenotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Tenotomy and tenodesis have comparably favorable results in the literature, with the only major difference being a higher incidence of cosmetic deformity with biceps tenotomy. However, there is currently no consensus regarding the use of tenotomy versus tenodesis for the treatment of lesions of the long head of the biceps brachii. The lack of prospective, randomized trials limits our ability to recommend 1 technique over the other. There is a great need for controlled trials to investigate the differences between these 2 procedures. Individual patient factors and needs should guide the surgeon on which procedure to use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.