1. Evolution of the Surgical Treatment of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries.
- Author
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Pezzulo J, Johns WL, Erickson BJ, Ciccotti MG, and Ciccotti MC
- Subjects
- Humans, Tendons transplantation, Ulnar Nerve injuries, Ulnar Nerve surgery, Collateral Ligament, Ulnar surgery, Collateral Ligament, Ulnar injuries, Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
- Abstract
Since Dr. Frank Jobe performed the initial surgery on Tommy John in 1974, the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR), colloquially "Tommy John Surgery," described in 1986 has evolved as the gold standard treatment for UCL tears. The crux of technique modifications involve flexor pronator mass (FPM) management, ulnar nerve transposition (UNT), graft selection, or graft-fixation options. Jobe used a figure-of-8 graft fixation through the cubital tunnel, necessitating FPM elevation and UNT. Although 68% of patients returned to play (RTP), 25% of patients experienced ulnar neuritis, prompting change. Described by Thompson et al. in 2001, the modified Jobe technique implemented a muscle-splitting approach to the FPM, eliminating the need for FPM elevation, facilitating optional UNT. This technique uses larger tunnel sizes to facilitate graft passage in a figure-of-8 fashion. Graft selection is another consideration in UCLR. Most commonly, the palmaris longus autograft is used. In addition, there are no significant outcome differences between alternative graft types such as allografts, hamstring autografts, or extensor tendons. Notably, palmaris longus autograft is perhaps a high-risk choice, given the proximity to the median nerve. One case series reported 19 incidents of iatrogenic median nerve harvest. Lastly, the docking technique, from Altchek et al. in 2002, builds upon the modified Jobe. Using the FPM split, optional UNT enhanced graft passage and fixation with one humeral tunnel and smaller exit holes. This approach demonstrates a remarkable 90% RTP at 12 to 18 months, ultimately leading to satisfactory outcomes and potentially shorter operating room times. An alternative approach to UCLR, UCL repair with suture augmentation obviates the need for a graft, shortening RTP time to approximately 6 months. Historically, UCL repair indications were inconsistent; however, the current professional consensus suggests acute injuries, minimal ligamentous degeneration, or isolated proximal or distal avulsions may be optimal injury patterns for repair., Competing Interests: Disclosures The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: B.J.E. reports board or committee member of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons; paid consultant for and research support from Arthrex; research support from Depuy (A Johnson & Johnson Company), Linvatec, Smith & Nephew, and Stryker; and editorial or governing board of PLOS One. W.L.J. reports board or committee member of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine. M.G.C. reports board or committee member of the Major League Baseball Team Physicians Association and Orthopaedic Learning Center. All other authors (J.P., M.C.C.) declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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