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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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Hones KM, Simcox T, Hao KA, Portnoff B, Buchanan TR, Kamarajugadda S, Kim J, Wright JO, King JJ, Wright TW, Schoch BS, Aibinder WR. Graft choice and techniques used in elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction over the last 20 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2024; 33:1185-1199. [PMID: 38072032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.10.023] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament (mUCL) injuries have become increasingly common, leading to a higher number of mUCL reconstructions (UCLR). Various techniques and graft choices have been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of each available graft choice, the surgical techniques most utilized, and the reported complications associated with each surgical method. METHODS A systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysesguidelines. We queried PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify all articles that included UCLR between January 2002 and October 2022. We included all studies that referenced UCLR graft choice, surgical technique, and/or ulnar nerve transposition. Studies were evaluated in a narrative fashion to assess demographics and report current trends in utilization and complications of UCLR as they pertain to graft choice and surgical techniques over the past 20 years. Where possible, we stratified based on graft and technique. RESULTS Forty-seven articles were included, reporting on 6671 elbows. The cohort was 98% male, had a weighted mean age of 21 years and follow-up of 53 months. There were 6146 UCLRs (92%) performed with an autograft and 152 (2.3%) that utilized an allograft, while 373 (5.6%) were from mixed cohorts of autograft and allograft. Palmaris longus autograft was the most utilized mUCL graft choice (64%). The most utilized surgical configuration was the figure-of-8 (68%). Specifically, the most common techniques were the modified Jobe technique (37%), followed by American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) (22%), and the docking (22%) technique. A concomitant ulnar nerve transposition was performed in 44% of all patients, with 1.9% of these patients experiencing persistent ulnar nerve symptoms after ulnar nerve transposition. Of the total cohort, 14% experienced postoperative ulnar neuritis with no prior preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms. Further, meta-analysis revealed a significantly greater revision rate with the use of allografts compared to autograft and mixed cohorts (2.6% vs. 1.8% and 1.9%, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS Most surgeons performed UCLR with palmaris autograft utilizing a figure-of-8 graft configuration, specifically with the modified Jobe technique. The overall rate of allograft use was 2.3%, much lower than expected. The revision rate for UCLR with allograft appears to be greater compared to UCLR with autograft, although this may be secondary to limited allograft literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keegan M Hones
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Trevor Simcox
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Kevin A Hao
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brandon Portnoff
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Jongmin Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan O Wright
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Joseph J King
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas W Wright
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bradley S Schoch
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - William R Aibinder
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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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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Peebles LA, Blackwood NO, Verma A, O'Brien MJ, Lintner DM, Kraeutler MJ. Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction With Allograft Provides Excellent Clinical Outcomes, High Rates of Return to Play, and a Low Incidence of Postoperative Complications: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy 2024:S0749-8063(24)00268-8. [PMID: 38593928 DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.03.045] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To perform a systematic review evaluating clinical outcomes in patients undergoing medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (MUCLR) with soft-tissue allograft. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The primary outcomes evaluated were patient-reported outcome scores, return to play (RTP) rates, incidence of postoperative complications, and rates of graft rupture or mechanical failure. RESULTS The literature search identified 395 articles, and 5 studies met final inclusion criteria after full-text review. A total of 274 patients were analyzed in the included studies and follow-up ranged from 3.0 to 7.6 years. Two studies (number of patients = 141) reported outcomes exclusively of MUCLR with allograft, whereas 3 studies (number of patients = 133) reported outcomes in patients undergoing MUCLR with either allograft or autograft. Allograft sources included gracilis, semitendinosus, plantaris, peroneus longus, and palmaris longus. Level of patient athletic competition ranged from recreational athletes to the professional level; however, nonathletes in the setting of trauma were also included. The RTP rate after MUCLR with soft-tissue allograft was 95.3%, and 89.3% of patients returned to a similar or greater level of play postoperatively. The Timmerman-Andrews score was reported in 2 studies, and the means postoperatively ranged from 94.55 to 97. Postoperative complication rates were low (range, 0% to 20%), and there were no reported incidences of allograft rupture or mechanical failure. CONCLUSIONS Based on the available data, soft-tissue allograft for MUCLR in athletic patient populations provides excellent clinical outcomes, high rates of RTP, and low rates of postoperative complications and graft failure at short-term follow-up. There remains a lack of high-quality evidence directly comparing autograft versus allograft outcomes in elite overhead-throwing athletes to support allograft as an acceptable alternative for MUCLR in this patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level III-IV studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam A Peebles
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A..
| | | | - Arjun Verma
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A
| | - Michael J O'Brien
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A
| | - David M Lintner
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, U.S.A
| | - Matthew J Kraeutler
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, U.S.A
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Campbell L, Bryan TP, Edmonds EW. Intermediate Outcomes of Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Using Gracilis Allograft in Adolescent Patients. Orthop J Sports Med 2024; 12:23259671241228868. [PMID: 38449693 PMCID: PMC10916473 DOI: 10.1177/23259671241228868] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autograft palmaris has been the primary choice for the reconstruction of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. Agenesis of the palmaris tendon is not rare, and outcomes of allograft reconstruction in the breadth of athlete types found in the adolescent population are lacking. Hypothesis Allograft tendon reconstruction of the medial UCL in the young elbow would have low failure rates and satisfactory outcome scores. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods The records of patients who underwent allograft medial UCL reconstruction (UCLR) by a single surgeon between 2009 and 2019 were reviewed. Patient-reported outcome scores in adolescent patients obtained at a minimum 4-year follow-up (for intermediate assessment) were recorded, with no exclusion according to sex or sport type. Outcomes included the Timmerman-Andrews score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and the Conway-Jobe score. Results Of 29 patients who underwent allograft UCLR, 10 adolescents (40% women; mean age at surgery, 15.8 years [age range, 15-17 years]) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 8 years (range, 4.3-11.9 years). There were 4 overhead athletes (baseball, water polo) and 6 impact sports athletes (motocross, gymnastics, wrestling, and soccer). The mean SANE score was 86.3, and the mean subjective Timmerman-Andrews score was 92.5. The Conway-Jobe score was "excellent" in 7 of 10 participants; nonetheless, 3 elected not to return to sport (2 for reasons unrelated to the elbow). No patients experienced loss of range of motion, contracture, or ulnar nerve neuropathy. There was 1 patient with early failure (10%) who required revision reconstruction . Conclusion Allograft reconstruction for medial UCL instability in adolescent patients from sport and trauma mechanisms demonstrated excellent patient-reported functional scores in this study. If the patient and surgeon desire to avoid autograft morbidity or agenesis of the palmaris longus, allograft tendon UCLR appears viable for both the throwing and the high-impact adolescent athlete, regardless of sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Campbell
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Balboa Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tracey P. Bryan
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Eric W. Edmonds
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
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Stone MA, Chao L, Huang DT, Parikh HB, Sun M, Kulber DA, Metzger MF. Biomechanical Comparison of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Between Palmaris Longus Autograft and Knee Medial Collateral Ligament Allograft. Orthop J Sports Med 2024; 12:23259671241234685. [PMID: 38524888 PMCID: PMC10958818 DOI: 10.1177/23259671241234685] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Medial ulnar collateral ligament (mUCL) injury can cause significant pain and alter throwing mechanics. Common autograft options for mUCL reconstruction (UCLR) include the palmaris longus (PL) and hamstring tendons. Allograft use may reduce donor site morbidity and decrease function related to PL autografts. Purpose To compare varus stability and load to failure between a novel allograft for UCLR-knee medial collateral ligament (kMCL)-and a PL autograft in human donor elbow specimens. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods A total of 24 fresh-frozen human elbows were dissected to expose the mUCL. Medial elbow stability was tested with the mUCL intact (native), deficient, and reconstructed utilizing the humeral single-docking technique with either a (1) kMCL allograft (n = 12) or (2) a PL autograft (n = 12). A 3-N·m valgus torque was applied to the elbow, and valgus rotation of the ulna was recorded via motion tracking cameras. The elbow was cycled through a full range of motion 5 times. After kinematic testing, specimens were loaded to failure at 70° of elbow flexion, and failure modes were recorded. Results The mUCL-deficient elbows demonstrated significantly greater valgus rotation compared with the intact and reconstructed elbows at every flexion angle tested (10°-120°) (P <.001). Both kMCL- and PL-reconstructed elbows exhibited significantly higher mean valgus rotation compared with the intact state between 10° and 40° of flexion (P < .01). There were no significant differences in valgus rotation at any flexion angle between the kMCL and PL graft groups. When loaded to failure, elbows reconstructed with both kMCL and PL grafts failed at similar torque values (18.6 ± 4 and 18.1 ± 3.4 N·m, respectively; P = .765). Conclusion Fresh-frozen and aseptically processed kMCL allografts demonstrated similar kinematic and failure properties to PL tendon autografts in UCL-reconstructed elbows, although neither graft fully restored kinematics between 10° and 40°. Clinical Relevance Prepared kMCL ligament allografts may provide a viable graft material when reconstructing elbow ligaments while avoiding the potential complications related to PL autografts- including donor site morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Stone
- Cedars-Sinai, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Linda Chao
- Cedars-Sinai, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dave T. Huang
- Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Harin B. Parikh
- Cedars-Sinai, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael Sun
- Cedars-Sinai, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David A. Kulber
- Cedars-Sinai, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Melodie F. Metzger
- Cedars-Sinai, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Huang D, Foster L, Stone M, Kulber D, Metzger MF. Biomechanical Properties of Knee Medial Collateral Ligament Compared to Palmaris Longus for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction. Ann Biomed Eng 2023:10.1007/s10439-023-03188-z. [PMID: 37076695 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03188-z] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is frequently performed among injured overhead-throwing athletes. One of the most common graft choices when performing a UCLR is the ipsilateral palmaris longus tendon (PL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the material properties of aseptically processed cadaveric knee collateral ligaments (kMCL) as a potential graft source for UCLR and compare them to the gold standard PL autograft. Each PL and kMCL cadaveric sample was subjected to cyclic preconditioning, stress relaxation, and load-to-failure testing, and the mechanical properties were recorded. PL samples exhibited a greater average decrease in stress compared to the kMCL samples during the stress-relaxation test (p < 0.0001). PL samples also demonstrated a greater average Young's modulus in the linear region of the stress-strain curve compared to the kMCL samples (p < 0.01). The average yield strain and maximum strain of kMCL samples were significantly greater than the PL, p = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively. Both graft materials had comparable maximum toughness and demonstrated a similar ability to deform plastically without rupture. The clinical significance of our result is that prepared knee medial collateral ligament allografts may provide a viable graft material for use in the reconstruction of elbow ligaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave Huang
- Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Lukas Foster
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Stone
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Kulber
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melodie F Metzger
- Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Trofa DP, Constant M, Crutchfield CR, Dantzker NJ, Saltzman BM, Lynch TS, Ahmad CS. Return-to-Sport Outcomes After Primary Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction With Palmaris Versus Hamstring Tendon Grafts: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med 2021; 9:23259671211055726. [PMID: 34881347 PMCID: PMC8646802 DOI: 10.1177/23259671211055726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is the current gold standard of treatment for overhead athletes with a symptomatic, deficient UCL of the elbow who have failed nonoperative treatment and wish to return to sport (RTS) at a high level. The palmaris longus and hamstring tendons are common graft choices, but no study has analyzed the existing literature to assess whether one graft is superior to the other. Purpose To systematically report on the outcomes of UCL reconstruction using palmaris and hamstring autografts. Study Design Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods A combination of the terms "ulnar collateral ligament," "valgus instability," "Tommy John surgery," "hamstring," and "palmaris longus" were searched in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. RTS and return-to-same-level (RSL) rates, patient-reported outcomes, and complications were included for analysis. We used the modified Coleman Methodology Score and risk-of-bias tool for nonrandomized studies to assess the quality of the included studies. Results This review included 6 studies (combined total of 2154 elbows) that directly compared palmaris and hamstring graft use in UCL reconstruction. Follow-up ranged from 24 to 80.4 months, and the mean patient age across all studies was 21.8 years. The mean RSL across all studies and grafts was 79.0%, and the mean RTS was 84.1%, consistent with results previously reported in the literature. The mean RTS and RSL rates for the palmaris graft group were 84.6% and 82%, respectively; the hamstring graft group showed mean RTS and RSL rates of 80.8% and 80.8%. Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in RSL between the 2 graft groups (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.77-1.46). The combined complication rate of the included studies was 18.2%, with failure rates ranging from 0% to 7.1%. Conclusion Results of this review indicated that both palmaris and hamstring tendon grafts are viable options for primary UCL reconstruction. Graft choice should be determined by a combination of patient and surgeon preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Trofa
- Department of Orthopedics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael Constant
- Department of Orthopedics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Connor R Crutchfield
- Department of Orthopedics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas J Dantzker
- Department of Orthopedics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bryan M Saltzman
- Department of Orthopedics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - T Sean Lynch
- Department of Orthopedics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christopher S Ahmad
- Department of Orthopedics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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