Long-Term Results of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Throwing Athletes Based on a Hybrid Technique

Background: Tearing or attenuation of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow is a common injury in the throwing athlete. Several techniques for reconstruction of the attenuated or torn UCL have been developed.Hypothesis: Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction based on a hybrid technique, with an ulnar osseous tunnel and suture anchor fixation on the humerus, allows throwing athletes to return to prior activity level and has a low complication rate.Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods: A retrospective review was performed of the UCL reconstructions performed in 34 throwing athletes, as based on a hybrid technique, over a 6-year period. All elbows were reconstructed with a tendon graft fixed through an osseous tunnel placed at the sublime tubercle and with 2 suture anchors placed into a bony trough at the humeral origin of the native ligament.Results: Average postoperative follow-up was 6.9 years (range, 4.2 to 8.7 years). The average age was 20.2 years, with symptoms present ...