Novel technique for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow.

Abstract

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction of the elbow has been shown to restore function in overhead athletes with valgus instability. Since the initial description of using bone tunnels for reconstruction, many modifications to the surgical technique have been introduced, including the modified Jobe technique, the docking technique, fixation with interference screws, and button fixation. The authors introduce a technique that uses a button on each of the humeral and ulnar sides for fixation. This method allows proper tensioning of the graft and provides immediate secure fixation that relies on metal implants as opposed to sutures over bone bridges alone.