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Primary Surgical Repair of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Elbow (SS-87)
Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery Online
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May-June-Web-only 2003, Supplement • Volume 19 • Number 5
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Primary Surgical Repair of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Elbow (SS-87) Little data exist regarding the treatment of non-professional athletes with ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) insufficiency of the elbow. A less invasive procedure that provides adequate stability and a quicker return to sport would seem advantageous. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients undergoing primary surgical repair for medial instability without the use of graft reconstruction. Methods: Seventy-five patients were retrospectively evaluated using the Andrews and Carson elbow score. All patients underwent primary repair of the UCL for symptomatic instability precluding them from participation of their desired sport or had problems with ADL’s despite conservative treatment. Results: Average age of 57 males and 18 females was 22.0 years. Average follow-up was 45.2 months (range 12.4-92.0). Most patients were baseball or softball players (74%). All patients underwent UCL repair by one of the following procedures: plication(18), repair to bone using anchors(47), drill holes(6), or repair with flexor pronator fascia augmentation(4). The mean overall preoperative outcome score of 132 improved to 188 postoperatively (P .0001). Average return to sport time was 4.0 months in 95% of athletes(70/74). There were 3 failures and 3 patients with postoperative ulnar symptoms that resolved. Discussion and Conclusions: This study demonstrated good-excellent overall results in 96% of patients undergoing surgical repair of the UCL. Our conclusion is UCL reconstructions may not be necessary to obtain favorable outcomes and rapid return to sports in non-professional athletes who require surgical intervention for medial elbow instability.
Scott W Trenhaile, M.D.
Jackson, MS Felix H Savoie, M.D.
Jackson, MS
http://www2.us.elsevierhealth.com/inst/serve?action...chDBfor=art&artType=misc&id=jar030195bab83&nav=full [11/16/2007 9:13:13 AM]
Home About this Journal Order eTOC User Pref Help Table of Contents All Issues Search Image Directory
May-June-Web-only 2003, Supplement • Volume 19 • Number 5
• Previous article in Issue • Next article in Issue
Primary Surgical Repair of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Elbow (SS-87) Little data exist regarding the treatment of non-professional athletes with ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) insufficiency of the elbow. A less invasive procedure that provides adequate stability and a quicker return to sport would seem advantageous. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients undergoing primary surgical repair for medial instability without the use of graft reconstruction. Methods: Seventy-five patients were retrospectively evaluated using the Andrews and Carson elbow score. All patients underwent primary repair of the UCL for symptomatic instability precluding them from participation of their desired sport or had problems with ADL’s despite conservative treatment. Results: Average age of 57 males and 18 females was 22.0 years. Average follow-up was 45.2 months (range 12.4-92.0). Most patients were baseball or softball players (74%). All patients underwent UCL repair by one of the following procedures: plication(18), repair to bone using anchors(47), drill holes(6), or repair with flexor pronator fascia augmentation(4). The mean overall preoperative outcome score of 132 improved to 188 postoperatively (P .0001). Average return to sport time was 4.0 months in 95% of athletes(70/74). There were 3 failures and 3 patients with postoperative ulnar symptoms that resolved. Discussion and Conclusions: This study demonstrated good-excellent overall results in 96% of patients undergoing surgical repair of the UCL. Our conclusion is UCL reconstructions may not be necessary to obtain favorable outcomes and rapid return to sports in non-professional athletes who require surgical intervention for medial elbow instability.
Scott W Trenhaile, M.D.
Jackson, MS Felix H Savoie, M.D.
Jackson, MS
http://www2.us.elsevierhealth.com/inst/serve?action...chDBfor=art&artType=misc&id=jar030195bab83&nav=full [11/16/2007 9:13:13 AM]