Operative Treatment of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Insufficiency of the Elbow in Female Athletes

BackgroundAs women become more involved in athletic activity, injuries specific to this population also increase. No data exist regarding operative treatment of female patients with elbow instability secondary to ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency.HypothesisWomen with symptomatically unstable elbows who failed nonoperative treatment will improve after surgical intervention.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsNineteen women were retrospectively evaluated using the Andrews and Carson Elbow Outcome Score. Patients were included if they underwent repair or reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament for symptomatic instability that precluded them from participation in their desired sport or activities, despite nonoperative treatment.ResultsThe mean age was 22.0 years (range, 15.1-37.2 years). The mean follow-up was 38.8 months (range, 12.4-68.6 months). Of the 19 patients, 14 were softball players, gymnasts, and tennis players. Only 1 was a pitcher. Eighteen women underwent repair by...