Skip to main content
Top
Published in: MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY 1/2018

01-10-2018 | Original Article

Elbow Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament chronic isolated insufficiency: anatomical M-UCL reconstruction technique and clinical experience in a mid-term follow-up

Authors: M. Bartoli, L. A. Pederzini, G. Severini, F. Serafini, M. Prandini

Published in: MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY | Special Issue 1/2018

Login to get access

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to clinically evaluate, at mid-term follow-up, a group of patients treated by the senior author in the last 6 years with our anatomical double-bundle reconstruction surgical technique for the medial ulnar collateral ligament (M-UCL) insufficiency.

Methods

In this study, we included only patients affected by chronic valgus elbow instability, diagnosed with an accurate clinical evaluation combined with an MRI, without associated fractures that had been surgically treated in the past and without additional instability detected during the first checkup and in the preoperative evaluation under anesthesia. The nine patients enrolled were operated by the senior author between 2011 and 2014 (from 16 to 49 years old at surgery, all amateur sportsmen). The average follow-up is 4 years (47.6 months). The values of the range of movement were recorded and compared. Pain assessment was performed using the VAS scoring system. The recovery of daily activities was evaluated through the validated MEPS and Quick-DASH score scales. All patients underwent an X-ray in two standard projections and a preoperative and follow-up MRI.

Results

The recovery of the range of motion was complete in six cases. The remaining three patients had minor loss of extension. None of the patients reported flexion deficits nor pronation–supination at follow-up. All patients achieved subjectively perceived stability and clinically objectified stability at follow-up. Five patients referred a total lack of pain at follow-up. Seven patients achieved full marks in the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and an excellent improvement in the Quick-DASH score.

Conclusions

Excellent functional results indicate that M-UCL isolated reconstruction with autologous hamstrings described in this study is a reliable and replicable technique with a reduced incidence of complications. Resuming sports is consistently successful in our patients.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Morrey BF, Askew LJ, Chao EY (1981) A biomechanical study of normal functional elbow motion. J Bone Joint Surg Am 63:872–877CrossRef Morrey BF, Askew LJ, Chao EY (1981) A biomechanical study of normal functional elbow motion. J Bone Joint Surg Am 63:872–877CrossRef
2.
go back to reference Safran MR, Baillargeon D (2005) Soft-tissue stabilizers of the elbow. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 14(1 Suppl S):179S–185SCrossRef Safran MR, Baillargeon D (2005) Soft-tissue stabilizers of the elbow. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 14(1 Suppl S):179S–185SCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Mehlhoff TL, Noble PC, Bennett JB, Tullos HS (1988) Simple dislocation of the elbow in the adult. Results after closed treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Am 70:244–249CrossRef Mehlhoff TL, Noble PC, Bennett JB, Tullos HS (1988) Simple dislocation of the elbow in the adult. Results after closed treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Am 70:244–249CrossRef
4.
go back to reference Murthi AM, Keener JD, Armstrong AD, Getz CL (2011) The recurrent unstable elbow: diagnosis and treatment. Instr Course Lect 60:215–226PubMed Murthi AM, Keener JD, Armstrong AD, Getz CL (2011) The recurrent unstable elbow: diagnosis and treatment. Instr Course Lect 60:215–226PubMed
5.
go back to reference O’Driscoll SW, Jaloszynski R, Morrey BF, An KN (1992) Origin of the medial ulnar collateral ligament. J Hand Surg Am 17:164–168CrossRef O’Driscoll SW, Jaloszynski R, Morrey BF, An KN (1992) Origin of the medial ulnar collateral ligament. J Hand Surg Am 17:164–168CrossRef
6.
go back to reference Regan WD, Korinek SL, Morrey BF, An KN (1991) Biomechanical study of ligaments around the elbow joint. Clin Orthop Relat Res 271:170–179 Regan WD, Korinek SL, Morrey BF, An KN (1991) Biomechanical study of ligaments around the elbow joint. Clin Orthop Relat Res 271:170–179
7.
go back to reference Callaway GH, Field LD, Deng XH, Torzilli PA, O’Brien SJ, Altchek DW, Warren RF (1997) Biomechanical evaluation of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow. J Bone Joint Surg Am 79:1223–1231CrossRef Callaway GH, Field LD, Deng XH, Torzilli PA, O’Brien SJ, Altchek DW, Warren RF (1997) Biomechanical evaluation of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow. J Bone Joint Surg Am 79:1223–1231CrossRef
8.
go back to reference Morrey BF, Tanaka S, An KN (1991) Valgus stability of the elbow. A definition of primary and secondary constraints. Clin Orthop Relat Res 265:187–195 Morrey BF, Tanaka S, An KN (1991) Valgus stability of the elbow. A definition of primary and secondary constraints. Clin Orthop Relat Res 265:187–195
9.
go back to reference Morrey BF, An KN (2000) Anatomy of the elbow joint. In: Morrey BF (ed) The elbow and its disorders, 3rd edn. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 13–42 Morrey BF, An KN (2000) Anatomy of the elbow joint. In: Morrey BF (ed) The elbow and its disorders, 3rd edn. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 13–42
10.
go back to reference Cage DJ, Abrams RA, Callahan JJ, Botte MJ (1995) Soft tissue attachments of the ulnar coronoid process. An anatomic study with radiographic correlation. Clin Orthop Relat Res 320:154–158 Cage DJ, Abrams RA, Callahan JJ, Botte MJ (1995) Soft tissue attachments of the ulnar coronoid process. An anatomic study with radiographic correlation. Clin Orthop Relat Res 320:154–158
11.
go back to reference Morrey BF, An KN (1983) Articular and ligamentous contributions to the stability of the elbow joint. Am J Sports Med 11:315–319CrossRef Morrey BF, An KN (1983) Articular and ligamentous contributions to the stability of the elbow joint. Am J Sports Med 11:315–319CrossRef
12.
go back to reference Morrey BF, An KN (1985) Functional anatomy of the ligaments of the elbow. Clin Orthop Relat Res 201:84–90 Morrey BF, An KN (1985) Functional anatomy of the ligaments of the elbow. Clin Orthop Relat Res 201:84–90
13.
go back to reference An KN, Morrey BF (2000) Biomechanics of the elbow. In: Morrey BF (ed) The elbow and its disorders, 3rd edn. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 43–61 An KN, Morrey BF (2000) Biomechanics of the elbow. In: Morrey BF (ed) The elbow and its disorders, 3rd edn. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 43–61
14.
go back to reference Fuss FK (1991) The ulnar collateral ligament of the human elbow joint. Anatomy, function and biomechanics. J Anat 175:203–212PubMedPubMedCentral Fuss FK (1991) The ulnar collateral ligament of the human elbow joint. Anatomy, function and biomechanics. J Anat 175:203–212PubMedPubMedCentral
15.
go back to reference Schwab GH, Bennett JB, Woods GW, Tullos HS (1980) Biomechanics of elbow instability: the role of the medial collateral ligament. Clin Orthop Relat Res 146:42–52 Schwab GH, Bennett JB, Woods GW, Tullos HS (1980) Biomechanics of elbow instability: the role of the medial collateral ligament. Clin Orthop Relat Res 146:42–52
16.
go back to reference Floris S, Olsen BS, Dalstra M, Søjbjerg JO, Sneppen O (1998) The medial collateral ligament of the elbow joint: anatomy and kinematics. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 7:345–351CrossRef Floris S, Olsen BS, Dalstra M, Søjbjerg JO, Sneppen O (1998) The medial collateral ligament of the elbow joint: anatomy and kinematics. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 7:345–351CrossRef
17.
go back to reference Søjbjerg JO, Ovesen J, Nielsen S (1987) Experimental elbow instability after transection of the medial collateral ligament. Clin Orthop Relat Res 218:186–190 Søjbjerg JO, Ovesen J, Nielsen S (1987) Experimental elbow instability after transection of the medial collateral ligament. Clin Orthop Relat Res 218:186–190
18.
go back to reference Azar FM, Andrews JR, Wilk KE, Groh D (2000) Operative treatment of ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the elbow in athletes. Am J Sports Med 28:16–23CrossRef Azar FM, Andrews JR, Wilk KE, Groh D (2000) Operative treatment of ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the elbow in athletes. Am J Sports Med 28:16–23CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Thompson WH, Jobe FW, Yocum LA, Pink MM (2001) Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in athletes: muscle-splitting approach without transposition of the ulnar nerve. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 10:152–157CrossRef Thompson WH, Jobe FW, Yocum LA, Pink MM (2001) Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in athletes: muscle-splitting approach without transposition of the ulnar nerve. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 10:152–157CrossRef
20.
go back to reference Barnes DA, Tullos HS (1978) An analysis of 100 symptomatic baseball players. Am J Sports Med 6:62–67CrossRef Barnes DA, Tullos HS (1978) An analysis of 100 symptomatic baseball players. Am J Sports Med 6:62–67CrossRef
21.
go back to reference Rettig AC, Sherrill C, Snead DS, Mendler JC, Mieling P (2001) Nonoperative treatment of ulnar collateral ligament injuries in throwing athletes. Am J Sports Med 29:15–17CrossRef Rettig AC, Sherrill C, Snead DS, Mendler JC, Mieling P (2001) Nonoperative treatment of ulnar collateral ligament injuries in throwing athletes. Am J Sports Med 29:15–17CrossRef
22.
go back to reference Conway JE, Jobe FW, Glousman RE, Pink M (1992) Medial instability of the elbow in throwing athletes: treatment by repair or reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament. J Bone Joint Surg Am 74:67–83CrossRef Conway JE, Jobe FW, Glousman RE, Pink M (1992) Medial instability of the elbow in throwing athletes: treatment by repair or reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament. J Bone Joint Surg Am 74:67–83CrossRef
23.
go back to reference Bennet JB, Tullos HS (2000) Diagnosis and treatment of the M-UCL lesion in the athletes. In: Morrey BF (ed) The elbow and its disorders, 3rd edn. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 559–565 Bennet JB, Tullos HS (2000) Diagnosis and treatment of the M-UCL lesion in the athletes. In: Morrey BF (ed) The elbow and its disorders, 3rd edn. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 559–565
24.
go back to reference Norwood LA, Shook JA, Andrews JR (1981) Acute medial elbow ruptures. Am J Sports Med 9:16–19CrossRef Norwood LA, Shook JA, Andrews JR (1981) Acute medial elbow ruptures. Am J Sports Med 9:16–19CrossRef
25.
go back to reference Freehill MT, Safran MR (2011) Diagnosis and management of ulnar collateral ligament injuries in throwers. Curr Sports Med Rep 10:271–278CrossRef Freehill MT, Safran MR (2011) Diagnosis and management of ulnar collateral ligament injuries in throwers. Curr Sports Med Rep 10:271–278CrossRef
26.
go back to reference Jobe FW, Stark H, Lombardo SJ (1986) Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament in athletes. J Bone Joint Surg Am 68:1158–1163CrossRef Jobe FW, Stark H, Lombardo SJ (1986) Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament in athletes. J Bone Joint Surg Am 68:1158–1163CrossRef
27.
go back to reference Smith GR, Altchek DW, Pagnani MJ, Keeley JR (1996) A muscle-splitting approach to the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow. Neuroanatomy and operative technique. Am J Sports Med 24:575–580CrossRef Smith GR, Altchek DW, Pagnani MJ, Keeley JR (1996) A muscle-splitting approach to the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow. Neuroanatomy and operative technique. Am J Sports Med 24:575–580CrossRef
28.
go back to reference Andrews JR, Timmerman LA (1995) Outcome of elbow surgery in professional baseball players. Am J Sports Med 23:407–413CrossRef Andrews JR, Timmerman LA (1995) Outcome of elbow surgery in professional baseball players. Am J Sports Med 23:407–413CrossRef
29.
go back to reference Rohrbough JT, Altchek DW, Hyman J, Williams RJ III, Botts JD (2002) Medial collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow using the docking technique. Am J Sports Med 30:541–548CrossRef Rohrbough JT, Altchek DW, Hyman J, Williams RJ III, Botts JD (2002) Medial collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow using the docking technique. Am J Sports Med 30:541–548CrossRef
30.
go back to reference Rohrbough JT, Altchek DW, Hyman J, Williams RJ III, Botts JD (2002) Medial collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow using the docking technique. Am J Sports Med 30:541–548CrossRef Rohrbough JT, Altchek DW, Hyman J, Williams RJ III, Botts JD (2002) Medial collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow using the docking technique. Am J Sports Med 30:541–548CrossRef
31.
go back to reference Ruland RT, Hogan CJ, Randall CJ, Richards A, Belkoff SM (2008) Biomechanical comparison of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction techniques. Am J Sports Med 36:1565–1567CrossRef Ruland RT, Hogan CJ, Randall CJ, Richards A, Belkoff SM (2008) Biomechanical comparison of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction techniques. Am J Sports Med 36:1565–1567CrossRef
32.
go back to reference Dodson CC, Thomas A, Dines JS, Nho SJ, Williams RJ III, Altchek DW (2006) Medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow in throwing athletes. Am J Sports Med 34:1926–1932CrossRef Dodson CC, Thomas A, Dines JS, Nho SJ, Williams RJ III, Altchek DW (2006) Medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow in throwing athletes. Am J Sports Med 34:1926–1932CrossRef
33.
go back to reference Koh JL, Schafer MF, Keuter G, Hsu JE (2006) Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in elite throwing athletes. Arthroscopy 22:1187–1191CrossRef Koh JL, Schafer MF, Keuter G, Hsu JE (2006) Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in elite throwing athletes. Arthroscopy 22:1187–1191CrossRef
34.
go back to reference Hechtman KS, Tjin-A-Tsoi EW, Zvijac JE, Uribe JW, Latta LL (1998) Biomechanics of a less invasive procedure for reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow. Am J Sports Med 26:620–624CrossRef Hechtman KS, Tjin-A-Tsoi EW, Zvijac JE, Uribe JW, Latta LL (1998) Biomechanics of a less invasive procedure for reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow. Am J Sports Med 26:620–624CrossRef
35.
go back to reference Hechtman KS, Zvijac JE, Wells ME, Botto-van Bemden A (2011) Long-term results of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in throwing athletes based on a hybrid technique. Am J Sports Med 39:342–347CrossRef Hechtman KS, Zvijac JE, Wells ME, Botto-van Bemden A (2011) Long-term results of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in throwing athletes based on a hybrid technique. Am J Sports Med 39:342–347CrossRef
36.
go back to reference Chang ES, Dodson CC, Ciccotti MG (2016) Comparison of surgical techniques for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in overhead athletes. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 24:135–149CrossRef Chang ES, Dodson CC, Ciccotti MG (2016) Comparison of surgical techniques for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in overhead athletes. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 24:135–149CrossRef
37.
go back to reference Conway JE (2006) The DANE TJ procedure for elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency. Tech Shoulder Elbow Surg 7:36–43CrossRef Conway JE (2006) The DANE TJ procedure for elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency. Tech Shoulder Elbow Surg 7:36–43CrossRef
38.
go back to reference Dines JS, ElAttrache NS, Conway JE, Smith W, Ahmad CS (2007) Clinical outcomes of the DANE TJ technique to treat ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency of the elbow. Am J Sports Med 35:2039–2044CrossRef Dines JS, ElAttrache NS, Conway JE, Smith W, Ahmad CS (2007) Clinical outcomes of the DANE TJ technique to treat ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency of the elbow. Am J Sports Med 35:2039–2044CrossRef
39.
go back to reference Savoie FH III, Morgan C, Yaste J, Hurt J, Field L (2013) Medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction using hamstring allograft in overhead throwing athletes. J Bone Joint Surg Am 95:1062–1066CrossRef Savoie FH III, Morgan C, Yaste J, Hurt J, Field L (2013) Medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction using hamstring allograft in overhead throwing athletes. J Bone Joint Surg Am 95:1062–1066CrossRef
40.
go back to reference Vitale MA, Ahmad CS (2008) The outcome of elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in overhead athletes: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med 36:1193–1205CrossRef Vitale MA, Ahmad CS (2008) The outcome of elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in overhead athletes: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med 36:1193–1205CrossRef
41.
go back to reference Watson JN, McQueen P, Hutchinson MR (2014) A systematic review of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction techniques. Am J Sports Med 42:2510–2516CrossRef Watson JN, McQueen P, Hutchinson MR (2014) A systematic review of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction techniques. Am J Sports Med 42:2510–2516CrossRef
42.
go back to reference Vastamäki M (1987) Median nerve as free tendon graft. J Hand Surg Br 12:187–188CrossRef Vastamäki M (1987) Median nerve as free tendon graft. J Hand Surg Br 12:187–188CrossRef
43.
go back to reference Weber RV, Mackinnon SE (2007) Median nerve mistaken for palmaris longus tendon: restoration of function with sensory nerve transfers. Hand 2:1–4CrossRef Weber RV, Mackinnon SE (2007) Median nerve mistaken for palmaris longus tendon: restoration of function with sensory nerve transfers. Hand 2:1–4CrossRef
44.
go back to reference Marinelli A, Guerra E, Rotini R (2016) Elbow instability: Are we able to classify it? Review of the literature and proposal of an all-inclusive classification system. Musculoskelet Surg 100(Suppl 1):61–71CrossRef Marinelli A, Guerra E, Rotini R (2016) Elbow instability: Are we able to classify it? Review of the literature and proposal of an all-inclusive classification system. Musculoskelet Surg 100(Suppl 1):61–71CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Elbow Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament chronic isolated insufficiency: anatomical M-UCL reconstruction technique and clinical experience in a mid-term follow-up
Authors
M. Bartoli
L. A. Pederzini
G. Severini
F. Serafini
M. Prandini
Publication date
01-10-2018
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY / Issue Special Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 2035-5106
Electronic ISSN: 2035-5114
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12306-018-0559-3

Other articles of this Special Issue 1/2018

MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY 1/2018 Go to the issue