Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: Alternative Surgical Techniques

  • Benjamin C. Service
  • Neal S. Elattrache
  • Daryl C. Osbahr
Chapter
First Online:

Abstract

Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is often seen in the throwing athlete. Reconstruction of the UCL has evolved since the introduction of the figure-of-eight technique by Dr. Frank Jobe. Regarding the surgical approach and the graft fixation method, progress has been made to improve the biomechanical properties of the reconstruction and more closely match the native UCL kinematics, which has resulted in the optimization of established UCL reconstruction techniques. In the recent literature, alternative surgical techniques have been proposed, including use of interference screw graft fixation and cortical suspensory graft fixation. This chapter discusses these alternative fixation methods, as well as hybrid technique options.

Keywords

Elbow injury Throwing athlete Ulnar collateral ligament Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction DANE TJ technique Docking technique Cortical suspensory fixation Interference screw fixation Tommy John surgery 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  • Benjamin C. Service
    • 1
  • Neal S. Elattrache
    • 3
  • Daryl C. Osbahr
    • 2
  1. 1.Orlando Health Orthopedic InstituteOrlandoUSA
  2. 2.Chief of Sports Medicine, Orlando Health Orthopedic InstituteOrlandoUSA
  3. 3.Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic ClinicLos AngelesUSA

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