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State of the Union on Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in 2020: Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes

  • Injuries in Overhead Athletes (J Dines and C Camp, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

There has been a marked increase in the number of ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions performed annually and an associated increase in the amount of recent literature published. It is paramount that surgeons remain up to date on the current literature, as modern indications and surgical techniques continue to improve clinical outcomes.

Recent Findings

Our understanding of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries, treatment indications, and surgical techniques for UCL reconstruction continues to evolve. Despite the rapidly increasing amount of published literature on the topic, a clear and concise surgical algorithm is lacking. Studies have suggested a trend towards improved clinical outcomes and decreased complications with various modifications in UCL reconstruction techniques. Current sport-specific outcome studies have reported conflicting results regarding the effect of UCL reconstruction on an athlete’s performance upon returning to sport.

Summary

With the rising incidence of UCL reconstruction and growing media attention, UCL injuries, reconstruction techniques, and return to sport following UCL surgery are timely topics of interest to clinicians and overhead throwing athletes. Several technique modifications have been reported, and these modifications may lead to improved outcomes and lower complication rates. Studies assessing sport-specific outcome measures will be necessary to provide a more critical and informative analysis of outcomes following UCL reconstruction.

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Abbreviations

MLB:

Major League Baseball

UCLR:

Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction

Non-Op:

Nonoperative management

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Sports Medicine Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Cort D. Lawton, Joseph D. Lamplot, Joshua I. Wright-Chisem, Evan W. James & Joshua S Dines

  2. Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Christopher L. Camp

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Injuries in Overhead Athletes

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Lawton, C.D., Lamplot, J.D., Wright-Chisem, J.I. et al. State of the Union on Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in 2020: Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 13, 338–348 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09621-3

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