After a study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine confirmed the effectiveness of ulnar collateral ligament repair with internal brace in treating partial UCL tears, Steve Jordan, MD, a sports medicine specialist at Gulf Breeze, Fla.-based Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, offered commentary.
Here, Dr. Jordan breaks down the recent study findings:
Dr. Steve Jordan: This report provides excellent evidence which will renew interest in the option of repair for injured UCLs in throwers. The authors also support the technique with sound biomechanical testing and honest reporting of observed complications, which were few.
The concept of augmentation with "internal bracing," as the technique is also known, has been successful in other areas of orthopedics, such as foot and ankle and knee ligament surgery, so it is not surprising that this application to elbow ligament surgery is effective. [Jeffrey Dugas, MD] and colleagues should be commended for the rigor they used in applying these principles to such great success for injured throwers. This technique provides a unique option for a faster recovery, which is often paramount for young athletes in a fast-moving seasonal cycle.
Our opinion at the Andrews Institute is that this procedure adds a much needed option for select patients and this research provides the evidence to allow both patient and provider to feel confident for choosing it.
Becker's published a feature story on UCL repair with internal brace in January 2017. Read more.