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Sinha R, Wyatt CW, Althoff C, Jones JC, Johnson B, Ellis HB, Wilson PL. Avulsion and Soft Tissue Injuries of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament in Children and Adolescents. Am J Sports Med 2024; 52:2101-2109. [PMID: 38800902 DOI: 10.1177/03635465241252156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although pediatric medial epicondylar fractures and apophysitis are well studied, patterns of subapophyseal avulsion and ligamentous injuries of the medial elbow in this population merit investigation to inform optimal treatment strategies. PURPOSE To describe the occurrence and demographic correlates of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) avulsion and soft tissue injuries of the pediatric and adolescent elbow. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS An institutional review board-approved review was conducted to identify consecutive patients with medial elbow injuries treated in a tertiary pediatric sports medicine practice between 2016 and 2021. Radiographs were obtained during injury evaluation, and patients with nondisplaced medial epicondylar apophysitis and complete epicondylar fracture were excluded, resulting in 150 patients with soft tissue injuries occurring distal to the medial epicondyle apophysis (subapophyseal) for study. Radiographs were evaluated for bony avulsion of the UCL from either the medial epicondyle proximally or the ulnar sublime tubercle distally. Injuries without radiographic evidence of bony avulsion, but with clinical examination findings consistent with ligamentous injury, were classified as radiographically negative UCL injuries, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to further evaluate these injuries if moderate to severe medial swelling of the elbow or significant concern for medial structural injury was present on examination. These MRI scans were evaluated to classify the UCL injury and assess for periosteal or cartilaginous avulsions. RESULTS A total of 150 patients (mean age, 12.5 ± 3.4 years; 70 female), 55% (150/274) of the entire medial elbow injury population, had a subapophyseal injury. Of these patients, 62 had a bony avulsion detected on radiograph, and 88 had a radiographically negative injury. In addition to the 62 radiographic avulsions, the 61 MRI scans obtained on those radiographically negative injuries revealed 33 complete UCL disruptions, resulting in 63.3% (95/150) of patients sustaining a complete ligamentous disruption. With the MRI scans, 37 (61%) cases of cartilaginous or periosteal avulsion of the UCL were diagnosed. Overall, 66% of all 150 subapophyseal injuries had a bony, cartilaginous, or periosteal UCL avulsion. Patients with cartilaginous (mean age, 10.3 years) and bony (mean age, 10.6 years) avulsions were younger than those with central ligament injury (mean age, 14.2 years) or periosteal (mean age, 14.2 years) avulsions (P = .005). There was a significant association between the mechanism of injury and the location of UCL tear identified on MRI scans: traumatic falls were associated with distal tears, and throwing injuries were associated with proximal tears (P < .001). CONCLUSION UCL central ligament and avulsion lesions may be frequently diagnosed after injury to the pediatric medial elbow, the majority of which are complete injuries, and may require MRI for diagnosis. The mechanism of injury may predict the location of ligamentous injury, and osteocartilaginous avulsions are more likely to present at younger ages than injuries to the soft tissue of the UCL or periosteum. The prevalence of these injuries merits further investigation into best protocols of nonoperative treatment or surgical repair techniques and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Sinha
- Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, Texas, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Charles W Wyatt
- Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, Texas, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Claire Althoff
- Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, Texas, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jacob C Jones
- Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, Texas, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ben Johnson
- Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, Texas, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Henry B Ellis
- Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, Texas, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Philip L Wilson
- Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, Texas, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Buchanan TR, Hones KM, Hao KA, Kamarajugadda S, Portnoff B, Wright JO, King JJ, Wright TW, Kim J, Schoch BS, Roach RP, Aibinder WR. Rehabilitation Protocols in Elbow Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries: A Systematic Review of Articles Published in the Last 20 Years. Sports Health 2024:19417381241249125. [PMID: 38702939 DOI: 10.1177/19417381241249125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries have become increasingly common in athletes. Despite this, rehabilitation protocols appear to vary drastically, which may explain the clinical equipoise regarding optimal management. OBJECTIVE This systematic review reports rehabilitation characteristics reported after UCL injuries and compares reported outcomes based on early versus delayed rehabilitation. DATA SOURCES Our search utilized PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane to identify all articles on UCL rehabilitation published between January 1, 2002 and October 1, 2022. STUDY SELECTION Studies in English with ≥5 patients that reported rehabilitation protocols for UCL injuries were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4. DATA EXTRACTION Data included sample characteristics, time to achieve physical therapy milestones, outcome scores, and return-to-play (RTP) rate and timing. RESULTS Our review included 105 articles with a total of 15,928 elbows (98% male; weighted mean age, 23 years; follow-up, 47 months), with 15,077 treated operatively and 851 treated nonoperatively. The weighted mean time patients spent adhering to nonweightbearing status was 42 days. The mean time until patients were given clearance for active range of motion (ROM) 15 days, full ROM 40 days, and elbow strengthening exercises 32 days. The mean time until all restrictions were lifted was 309 days. The mean time to begin a throwing program was 120 days. Across all rehabilitation characteristics, protocols for patients undergoing nonoperative management started patients on rehabilitation earlier. After UCL reconstruction, earlier active ROM (≤14 days), elbow strengthening (≤30 days), no restrictions (≤180 days), and throwing (≤120 days) postoperatively led to earlier RTP without a negative effect on functional outcome scores. CONCLUSION Current literature provides a spectrum of protocols for elbow UCL rehabilitation, regardless of management. Nonoperative patients began ROM activities, strengthening, and throwing programs sooner than operative patients, and earlier milestones led to earlier RTP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keegan M Hones
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Kevin A Hao
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Brandon Portnoff
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jonathan O Wright
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Joseph J King
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Thomas W Wright
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Bradley S Schoch
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Ryan P Roach
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - William R Aibinder
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Jackson GR, Mowers CC, Sachdev D, Knapik DM, Lapica H, Sabesan VJ. Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Is Commonly Performed Using a Palmaris Graft and Provides Favorable Patient Outcomes With Variable Return-to-Play and Postoperative Complication Rates: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy 2024:S0749-8063(24)00262-7. [PMID: 38599535 DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To systematically review the literature to provide an updated evaluation of postoperative clinical outcomes, return to play (RTP), and postoperative complications after primary ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) in throwing and nonthrowing athletes at minimum 2-year follow-up. METHODS A literature search was performed on November 25, 2023, by querying the Embase, PubMed, and Scopus online databases using the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The inclusion criteria consisted of Level I to IV human clinical studies reporting postoperative outcomes and/or complications after primary UCLR with minimum 2-year follow-up. The exclusion criteria consisted of non-English-language studies; biomechanical, animal, and cadaveric studies; review articles; letters to the editor; and studies not reporting postoperative outcomes or complications. Study quality was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria. The incidence of reported complications among the included studies was extracted. Clinical outcome scores included the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder & Elbow (KJOC) score, Andrews-Timmerman (AT) score, and satisfaction score. RTP data were also extracted. RESULTS A total of 21 studies published from 2006 to 2023, consisting of 2,452 patients (2,420 male patients) with a mean age of 21.7 years (mean range, 12-65 years) and mean follow-up period of 50.5 months (mean range, 24-151.2 months), were included. The mean Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies score was 16 (range, 13-20). A total of 46% of patients (1,138 of 2,452) underwent concomitant ulnar nerve transposition. Palmaris graft was the most frequently used method (66.6%; n = 1,799), followed by hamstring graft (26.0%, n = 703). At the final follow-up, mean postoperative KJOC scores ranged from 72.0 to 88.0; mean AT scores, from 83.6 to 98.3; and mean satisfaction scores, from 86.1 to 98.3. The overall RTP rate ranged from 62.5% to 100% at a mean range of 9.5 to 18.5 months. The total incidence of complications ranged from 0% to 31.8%, with 0% to 7.4% of patients undergoing revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS UCLR was commonly performed using a palmaris graft, with concomitant ulnar nerve transposition reported in 46% of patients. At a mean follow-up of 50.5 months, mean postoperative KJOC scores ranged from 72 to 98.3, AT scores ranged from 83.6 to 98.3, and satisfaction scores ranged from 86.1 to 98.3, with variable RTP rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, systematic review of Level II to IV studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett R Jackson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, U.S.A.
| | | | | | - Derrick M Knapik
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center, Chesterfield, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Hans Lapica
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Corporation of America, John F. Kennedy Hospital/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.A
| | - Vani J Sabesan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Corporation of America, John F. Kennedy Hospital/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.A.; Palm Beach Shoulder Service Atlantis Orthopaedics, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.A
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Savoie FH, O'Brien MJ. Medial elbow injuries in the throwing athlete. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2024; 33:457-465. [PMID: 37844833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
There has been an epidemic increase in injuries to the elbow in our youth sports over the past 15 years. Initially, career-ending elbow injuries occurred almost exclusively in the professional population. The landmark procedure developed by Dr. Frank Jobe, colloquially termed "Tommy John surgery" after the initial player in whom he performed the surgical procedure, allowed roughly two-thirds of professional athletes to return to play at or near the same level. As the surgical procedure became more widespread, modifications of the technique by Jobe and many other contributors raised the return-to-play level to 85%-94% of players regaining the ability to return to sport at the preinjury level. Almost simultaneously, the emphasis on velocity in the professional ranks led to an unintentional increase in stress on the throwing elbow. This was magnified in our athletes by the advent of year-round sports, as well as the formation of "showcase" events to demonstrate skills and measure velocity. This, unfortunately, has resulted in an increase in both repetitive stress injuries and acute traumatic injuries in our young athletes. The purpose of this article is to discuss age-related injuries from both a preventative standpoint and a treatment standpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix H Savoie
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Michael J O'Brien
- Shoulder and Elbow Services, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Hinz M, Geyer S, Winden F, Braunsperger A, Kreuzpointner F, Irger M, Imhoff AB, Mehl J. Clinical and biomechanical outcomes following patellar tendon repair with suture tape augmentation. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY & TRAUMATOLOGY : ORTHOPEDIE TRAUMATOLOGIE 2023; 33:3569-3576. [PMID: 37233797 PMCID: PMC10651537 DOI: 10.1007/s00590-023-03572-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patellar tendon ruptures (PTR) occur predominantly in middle-aged patients following indirect trauma. The aim of this study was to quantify the short-term results using a suture tape augmentation technique for the repair of PTR. METHODS All consecutive patients with acute (< 6 weeks) PTR who underwent suture tape augmentation between 03/2014 and 11/2019 at a single institution with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were retrospectively evaluated. Outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) and return to sport rates, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form (IKDC) as well as Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Additionally, a standardized clinical examination and an isometric strength evaluation of knee extension and flexion were performed. It was hypothesized that high return to sport rates and good functional outcome would be observed and that the majority of patients would not present with a severe (> 20%) knee extension strength deficit when compared to the contralateral side. RESULTS A total of 7 patients (mean age 37.0 ± SD 13.5 years; 6 male/1 female) were available for final assessment at a median follow-up of 17.0 (25-75% IQR 16.0-77.0) months. Three injuries occurred during ball sports, two injuries occurred during winter sports, and one injury each occurred during a motorcycling and skateboarding accident. The average time between trauma and surgery was 4.7 ± 2.6 days. At follow-up, patients reported little pain (VAS: 0 [0-0.4]). Return to sport was possible for all patients 8.9 ± 4.0 months postoperatively at a high level (TAS: 7.0 [6.0-7.0]). Five patients (71.4%) returned to the preinjury level of play, and 2 (28.6%) did not return to the preinjury level of play. Patient-reported outcome measures were moderate to good (Lysholm score: 80.4 ± 14.5; IKDC: 84.2 ± 10.6; KOOS subscales: pain 95.6 ± 6.0, symptoms 81.1 [64.9-89.1], activities of daily living 98.5 [94.1-100], sport and recreation function 82.9 ± 14.1 and knee-related quality of life 75.9 ± 16.3). All patients were very satisfied (57.1%) or satisfied (42.9%) with the postoperative result. No postoperative complications were reported. Strength measurements revealed a severe knee extension deficit in 3 patients (42.9%), but no significant deficit of isometric knee extension or flexion strength in comparison with the contralateral side was observed overall (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Suture tape augmentation in acute PTR repair leads to good functional outcome without major complications. Although a severe knee extension strength deficit may occur in some patients postoperatively, an excellent return to sports rate and high patient satisfaction can be expected nonetheless. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Retrospective cohort study; III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Hinz
- Department of Sports Orthopaedics, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Geyer
- Department of Sports Orthopaedics, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Winden
- Department of Sports Orthopaedics, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Braunsperger
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Prevention Center, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Kreuzpointner
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Prevention Center, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Irger
- Department of Sports Orthopaedics, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas B Imhoff
- Department of Sports Orthopaedics, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian Mehl
- Department of Sports Orthopaedics, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
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Crawford BD, Alrabaa RG, Akizuki KH. Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Repair Using Suture Augmentation, Anchors, and Bone Tunnels. Arthrosc Tech 2023; 12:e1715-e1719. [PMID: 37942094 PMCID: PMC10627867 DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair with suture augmentation has been increasingly used to treat UCL pathology in overhead athletes. For the appropriately indicated patient, UCL repair with suture augmentation without reconstruction has promising results. Advantages of repair with suture augmentation include earlier return to sport, low complication rate, and decreased operative time since there is no need for graft harvest. Previously reported techniques use suture anchors with high-tensile and collagen-coated nonabsorbable sutures. This article provides an alternative augmentation method using a combination of anchors and bone tunnels to obtain an isometric repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Crawford
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Mary’s Medical Center, San Francisco, California, U.S.A
| | - Rami George Alrabaa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, U.S.A
| | - Kenneth H. Akizuki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Mary’s Medical Center, San Francisco, California, U.S.A
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Desai SS, Anderson MJ, Crutchfield CR, Gazgalis A, Alexander FJ, Popkin CA, Ahmad CS. Systematic Assessment of the Quality and Comprehensibility of YouTube Content on Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury and Management. Orthop J Sports Med 2023; 11:23259671221147921. [PMID: 36970322 PMCID: PMC10034303 DOI: 10.1177/23259671221147921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction has received a unique level of attention in the press and social media. There has also been an increasing use of the internet by patients to seek medical information. Concern exists regarding the quality and comprehensibility of online information when used for patient education. Purpose To evaluate the quality and comprehensibility of the most-viewed YouTube videos related to the diagnosis and management of UCL injuries. Based on our new evidence-based scoring rubrics, we hypothesized that the quality and comprehensibility of these videos would be poor. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Methods The YouTube platform was searched on September 7, 2021, with the terms "UCL injury," "ulnar collateral ligament injury," "UCL surgery," "ulnar collateral ligament surgery," and "Tommy John surgery," and the 50 most-viewed videos from each search were compiled, yielding 250 videos. After removal of duplicates and application of exclusion criteria, the 100 most-viewed videos remained. Basic attributes, including duration of video and number of views, were recorded. Each video was then analyzed by 2 independent reviewers and evaluated for 4 key parameters (quality of diagnostic content [QAR-D], quality of treatment content [QAR-T], presence of inaccurate information, and comprehensibility) and graded on a novel scale from 1 to 4 (4 being the most appropriate for patient education). Results The mean QAR-D was 4.83 ± 3.41 (fair quality), and the mean QAR-T was 2.76 ± 3.26 (poor quality). Physician-led educational videos had both the highest mean QAR-D (6.37) and the highest mean QAR-T (4.34). No correlation was observed between video quality and views/likes. A total of 12 videos included ≥1 inaccuracy. The mean comprehensibility score was 2.66 ± 1.12, with 39 videos falling below the acceptable comprehensibility threshold (score <3). Conclusion The overall quality of UCL injury-related YouTube content was low. In addition, the absence of correlation between video quality and views/likes suggests that patients are not preferentially utilizing the limited high-quality content that does exist on the YouTube platform. In addition, inaccurate videos were prevalent (12%), and almost half of all videos were deemed inappropriate for patient education in terms of comprehensibility, as defined by our comprehensibility parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohil S. Desai
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York,
USA
- Sohil S. Desai, MD, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 W
168th Street, PH 11, New York, NY 10032, USA (
)
| | | | - Connor R. Crutchfield
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Ozdag Y, Baylor JL, Nester JR, Foster BK, Daly CA, Grandizio LC. Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Suture-Tape Augmentation for Traumatic Elbow Instability. J Hand Surg Am 2023; 48:117-125. [PMID: 36539319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation has been used in the operative treatment of joint instability and may have advantages with respect to early motion and stability. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the clinical results of traumatic elbow instability treated with lateral ulnar collateral ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation. METHODS All cases of acute and chronic elbow instability treated surgically between 2018 and 2020 were included if they underwent ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament as part of the procedure. Cases with <6 months of follow-up were excluded. A manual chart review was performed to record patient demographics as well as injury and surgery characteristics. Radiographic outcomes, range of motion, and patient-reported outcome measures, including the visual analog pain scale and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, were recorded. Range of motion measurements were recorded at the end of the clinical follow-up, as were surgical complications. RESULTS Eighteen cases were included with a mean follow-up of 20 months. Five (28%) cases involved a high-energy mechanism, and 11 (62%) cases involved terrible triad fracture dislocations. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and visual analog pain scale scores were 17 and 2, respectively. The mean flexion-extension arc was 124°, and 2 (11%) cases had <100° flexion-extension arc. There were 2 (11%) postoperative complications, and both cases had postoperative instability requiring reoperation. We observed no cases of capitellar erosion from the suture-tape material. CONCLUSIONS For complex elbow instability, ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament results in acceptable functional outcomes and a reoperation rate comparable with other joint stabilization procedures. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagiz Ozdag
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute, Danville, PA
| | - Jessica L Baylor
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute, Danville, PA
| | - Jordan R Nester
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute, Danville, PA
| | - Brian K Foster
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute, Danville, PA
| | - Charles A Daly
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Louis C Grandizio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute, Danville, PA.
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Kouk SN, Beason DP, Rothermich MA, Dugas JR, Cain EL. Intersurgeon Consistency of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Internal Brace: A Biomechanical Analysis. Orthop J Sports Med 2022; 10:23259671221134829. [PMID: 36405545 PMCID: PMC9666865 DOI: 10.1177/23259671221134829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the medial elbow has been treated successfully with ligament repair augmented with internal brace. Previous work has shown that this procedure does not overconstrain the ulnohumeral joint; however, the procedures were conducted by a single surgeon, which controlled for anchor placement and graft tensioning. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS Our purpose was to evaluate the reproducibility of contact mechanics and joint torque after UCL repair with internal brace as performed by different surgeons compared with repair by a single surgeon. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in elbow contact mechanics, valgus torque, or torsional stiffness between the 2 groups. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Nine pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows were tested biomechanically under 3 conditions: UCL-intact (UCL-I), UCL-deficient (UCL-D), and UCL-repaired with internal brace augmentation (UCLR-IB). For each pair, 1 elbow was repaired by a single surgeon, and the contralateral elbow was repaired by 1 of 9 other surgeons. Testing consisted of valgus torsion between 0° and 5° with the elbow positioned at 90° of flexion. Ulnohumeral contact mechanics and overall joint torque and stiffness were measured and compared between surgeon groups. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences between the single-surgeon and multiple-surgeon groups regarding contact area (P = .83), contact force (P = .27), peak pressure (P = .26), or peak force (P = .30); however, contact pressure was significantly affected (P = .02) by surgeon group. Compared with UCL-I, both UCL-D and UCLR-IB conditions had a significant overall effect on contact area (P = .004) and contact force (P = .05); however, contact pressure (P = .56), peak pressure (P = .27), and peak force (P = .24) were not affected by injury condition. Measurements of elbow torque (P = .28) and stiffness (P = .98) were not significantly different between surgeon groups. CONCLUSION UCL repair with internal brace provided consistent results among several surgeons when compared with a single surgeon. The procedure did not lead to joint overconstraint while also returning the ligament to near-intact levels of resisting valgus stress. CLINICAL RELEVANCE UCL repair with internal brace augmentation is a reproducible surgical technique that has good clinical outcomes in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalen N. Kouk
- American Sports Medicine Institute, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - David P. Beason
- American Sports Medicine Institute, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey R. Dugas
- American Sports Medicine Institute, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Andrews Sport Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Birmingham, Alabama,
USA
| | - E. Lyle Cain
- American Sports Medicine Institute, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Andrews Sport Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Birmingham, Alabama,
USA
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10
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Jordan DB, Kharlamov A, Schimoler PJ, DeMeo PJ, Miller MC. Valgus fatigue and nonlinear damage accretion of the anterior bundle of the elbow medial collateral ligament (AMCL). J Biomech 2022; 137:111094. [PMID: 35489236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Failure by fatigue is one mechanism by which ligaments can rupture, with the accumulation of damage gradually degrading the ligament strength. Baseball pitchers who perform repeated high-level throwing continuously subject the medial ligament complex of the elbow to extreme levels of loading, which can lead to fatigue and eventual rupture. This study sought to investigate this behavior and quantify the fatigue properties of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament (AMCL) with respect to valgus elbow torque. Eleven pairs of cadaveric elbow specimens were used for this study. One side of each pair was tested in vertical elongation at four flexion angles and then tested to failure at 90° of flexion. The contralateral specimens were tested in valgus fatigue at 90° of flexion using a specialized apparatus with application of known moments based on the elongation failure load. The average tensile failure load for the AMCL was 595.3 ± 201.9 N. During cycling, the average increase in the maximum valgus rotation angle was 4.77° ± 2.82°. The average maximum stretch of the AMCL middle band increased from 1.066 ± 0.017 to 1.076 ± 0.018 near the time of fatigue failure. The average cycles to failure for specimens tested at 90% and 80% of the estimated failure torque were 3211 ± 4721.33 and 25063 ± 30487.58, respectively. The nonlinear non-dimensional fatigue life and damage accretion results work in conjunction to predict the fatigue properties for a valgus elbow motion of arbitrary torque magnitude at 90° of elbow flexion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patrick J Schimoler
- University of Pittsburgh, United States; Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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