Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries have become increasingly common among competitive athletes, especially baseball pitchers and overhead throwers. Traditionally, UCL reconstruction (commonly known as Tommy John surgery) has been the gold standard for treatment, but a newer technique—UCL repair with internal bracing—is gaining traction. Understanding how these two procedures compare in terms of recovery time and return to sport is critical for athletes looking to get back in the game as quickly and effectively as possible. This study is based on research conducted by Dr. Okoroha's colleagues, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of these two treatment options.
Study Highlights
Patient Demographics:
The study analyzed 461 competitive athletes, with an average age of 19.1 years; 92% of participants were male.
Follow-ups:
The UCL repair group had a mean follow-up of 4.4 years, while the reconstruction group had a longer mean follow-up of 6.3 years.
Positive Outcomes:
Both groups showed similar patient-reported outcome scores and return-to-sport success rates, with 98% of repair patients and 99% of reconstruction patients returning to their preinjury sport. However, athletes who underwent UCL repair returned to practice (6.7 vs. 10.2 months) and competition (9.2 vs. 13.4 months) significantly faster than those who had reconstruction.
Conclusion
For athletes facing a UCL injury, repair with internal bracing may offer a faster path back to competition compared to traditional reconstruction. While both procedures show comparable long-term outcomes and revision rates, the shorter recovery time associated with repair could be a key advantage, particularly for younger athletes eager to resume play.
We are committed to providing personalized care and innovative treatments to help patients reach their full potential. To learn more about UCL injuries and UCL reconstruction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelechi Okoroha today. Seeing patients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Edina, Minnetonka, Rochester, and Minnesota ensures that patients receive specialized care aimed at maximizing their athletic performance and long-term shoulder health.
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