Ulnar Collateral Ligament (Tommy John) Repair With High-Strength Suture Tape Augmentation: A Modified Technical Note With a Step-by-Step Description.

Waldron, Patrick; Vallelanes, Ethan; Williams, Nicholas R; Guzman, Alvarho J; Cantave, Kyle; Chow, Elisa; Cheng, Samantha; Malige, Ajith et al. · Arthrosc Tech · 2025

expert_opinion · Level V

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Abstract

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the primary restraint to valgus stress at the elbow. It is commonly injured in overhead throwing athletes as a result of the repetitive valgus stresses placed on the elbow during throwing. New techniques continue to evolve to accommodate the increasing prevalence of UCL (Tommy John) surgery. After the introduction of the InternalBrace, UCL repair has re-emerged as a viable surgical option with proven biomechanical and clinical outcomes. We describe an effective and reproducible step-by-step UCL repair with InternalBrace technique using knotless suture anchors to be used in active individuals and overhead throwing athletes at all skill levels.

Anatomy