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Background: The number of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in professional baseball players is increasing. UCL reconstruction (UCLR) is the treatment of choice in players with failed nonoperative treatment who wish to return to sports (RTS). It is unknown if UCL tear location influences the ability of players to RTS or affects their performance upon RTS. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to compare the RTS rate and performance upon RTS in professional baseball players who underwent UCLR based on UCL tear location (proximal vs distal). It was hypothesized that no difference in RTS rate or performance upon RTS will exist between players with proximal or distal UCL tears. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All professional baseball players who underwent primary UCLR by a single surgeon between 2016 and 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Players with purely midsubstance tears or revision UCLR were excluded. Tear location was determined based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative findings. RTS rate and performance were compared between players with proximal versus distal UCL tears. Results: Overall, 25 pitchers (15 proximal and 10 distal tears) and 5 position players (2 proximal and 3 distal) underwent primary UCLR between 2016 and 2018. Of the 25 pitchers, 84% were able to RTS. Of the 5 position players, 80% were able to RTS. Among the total cohort of pitchers and position players, 12 out of 17 (71%) players with proximal tears were able to RTS, while of the 13 distal tears, 13 out of 13 (100%) players were able to RTS ( P = .05). With regard to performance data, pitchers with distal tears had higher utilization postoperatively and, as such, allowed statistically more hits ( P = .03), runs ( P = .015), and walks ( P = .021) postoperatively. However, the WHIP ([walks + hits]/innings pitched) was not different between players with proximal or distal tears, indicating that efficacy in games was not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Professional baseball players who sustain a distal UCL tear and undergo UCLR may be more likely to RTS than those who sustain a proximal UCL tear and undergo UCLR. Players with distal UCL tears who underwent UCLR saw higher utilization postoperatively than those with proximal UCL tears. Further work is needed in this area to confirm this result.

Background Injury to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) complex of the elbow often results in posterolateral rotatory instability. Although surgical reconstruction of the LUCL is often required, gaps in our understanding of the LUCL complex remain. The purpose of this study was to provide a robust and accurate characterization of the lateral elbow ligamentous complex. Methods The LUCLs, radial collateral ligaments, and annular ligaments in 10 cadaveric elbows were 3-dimensionally digitized and reconstructed using computed tomography. Surface areas, origin and insertion footprint areas, distances between perceived footprint centers and geometric footprint centroids, distances to key landmarks, and ligament isometry were measured. Results The mean surface area of the LUCL was 229.3 mm2. The mean origin and insertion footprint areas were 26.0 mm2 and 22.9 mm2, respectively. The mean distance between the apparent centers and the geometric centroids of the footprints was 1 mm. The center of the LUCL origin was 10.7 mm distal to the lateral epicondyle and 8.2 mm from the capitellar articular margin. The center of the LUCL insertion was 3.3 mm distal to the apex of the supinator crest. The LUCL showed anisometric properties as elbow flexion increased (P Conclusions The LUCL origin center was 10.7 mm from the lateral epicondyle, whereas the insertion center was 3.3 mm from the apex of the supinator crest. The visually estimated footprint centers were generally within 1 mm of the geometric centroid. These geometries and distances to key landmarks will be informative for surgeons seeking to perform anatomic ligament reconstruction procedures.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review article is to help medical personnel of all levels and backgrounds identify and appropriately manage on-field acute shoulder and elbow injuries in the baseball athlete. This article discusses the most common acute shoulder and elbow injuries in baseball players along with recommendations for appropriate on-field management. RECENT FINDINGS: Shoulder and elbow injuries are very common in baseball players and can be problematic because of the unique demands placed on the shoulder and elbow during the throwing and swinging motions. While many shoulder and elbow injuries in baseball players are chronic, some acute injuries, including dislocations and fractures, require urgent on-field management. Evaluation should begin with a broad assessment to rule out life-threatening emergencies prior to performing a neurovascular evaluation of the affected extremity. Red-flag signs during examination, such as difficulty breathing, asymmetric pulses, weakness, and limb discoloration, require emergent treatment. In the absence of an emergency, the evaluating medical team should complete a basic neurovascular exam before performing any further on-field care. SUMMARY: Contusions, dislocations, and fractures are the most commonly seen acute shoulder and elbow injuries in baseball athletes. Athletic trainers and physicians caring for these athletes should be familiar with these injuries and their appropriate on-field management.

In the overhead athlete, medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) insufficiency can develop from repetitive valgus loads across the elbow during the throwing motion. This injury can be potentially career ending for the athlete. Treatment options include conservative care or potential surgical intervention with ligament reconstruction. Given the prolonged recovery period after surgical intervention, other avenues for successful treatment of MUCL insufficiency have been explored, including potential injections into the ligament such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous stem cells. Recently, PRP has drawn interest as a tool for biologic augmentation of tendon and ligamentous healing as it is an autologous concentration of platelets and growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, fibroblast growth factor-2, platelet-derived growth factor, and transforming growth factor-s. Despite some evidence that supports the use of PRP injections for partial MUCL tears, there is no current consensus regarding its use. Research into the use of stem cell therapy remains primitive and while initial animal studies appear promising, their true clinical utility is unclear. Although the current literature is limited regarding the true efficacy of these treatment options, continued interest into the field of biologic augmentation still exists due to the potential for tissue regeneration. More specifically, biologic agents are especially appealing in the young overhead athlete with acute damage to an isolated part of the MUCL and in those athletes who are unwilling or unable to undergo the extended rehabilitation required after surgical reconstruction of the ligament.

Background Analyzing outcomes and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is of increased interest in the orthopaedic literature. The purposes of this study were to report outcomes after ACLR at medium to long-term follow-up, identify the threshold preoperative outcome values that would be predictive of achieving the MCID postoperatively, and analyze outcome maintenance at medium to long-term follow-up after ACLR. Methods Active athletes who underwent ACLR were identified in an institutional ACL registry. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were administered preoperatively and at the 2-year and >5-year postoperative follow-up; measures included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS), and Lysholm scale. We calculated the MCID from baseline to each of the 2 follow-up periods (2-year and mean 7.7-year). Logistic regression was performed to investigate factors associated with achievement of the MCID. Results A total of 142 patients (mean follow-up, 7.7 years [range, 6.6 to 9.1 years]) underwent ACLR. The mean age and body mass index at the time of surgery were 27.2 ± 13.0 years and 23.2 ± 3.0 kg/m2, respectively. Final postoperative outcome scores improved significantly from baseline for the IKDC (50.9 ± 14.7 to 87.9 ± 11.2), SF-12 PCS (41.6 ± 8.9 to 55.6 ± 3.2), and Lysholm scale (62.2 ± 17.6 to 90.5 ± 10.3) (p 5-year follow-up, the SF-12 PCS showed significant improvement (54.6 ± 4.5 to 55.6 ± 3.2; p = 0.036), while no change was noted in the IKDC (87.6 ± 11.1 to 87.9 ± 11.2), SF-12 MCS (55.5 ± 5.3 to 54.4 ± 6.0), and Lysholm scale (89.8 ± 10.6 to 90.5 ± 10.3) (p ≥ 0.09). At the time of final follow-up, the MCID was achieved by 94.7% of patients for the IKDC, 80.8% for the Lysholm, 79.0% for the SF-12 PCS, and 28.2% for the SF-12 MCS. At 2-year follow-up, 95.3% of patients were either "very" or "somewhat" satisfied with their surgery, compared with 88.6% at the time of final follow-up. Conclusions We found a high level of maintained function following ACLR. The IKDC, SF-12 PCS, and Lysholm scores improved significantly after ACLR at the time of final follow-up and were not significantly different between follow-up periods. Approximately 95% and 89% of patients reported being satisfied with the outcome of surgery at the 2-year and final follow-up, respectively. Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the primary stabilizer against valgus stress in the elbow. However, when the UCL is compromised, the flexor-pronator mass becomes the primary dynamic valgus stabilizer of the elbow. Combined UCL and flexor-pronator mass injuries are a subset of medial elbow injuries sustained by overhead throwing athletes. Compared to athletes who suffer isolated UCL injuries, the group with combined UCL and flexor-pronator mass injuries tend to be older and have worse outcomes after surgical reconstruction. There are few studies describing these injuries in the orthopedic literature, and it is unclear what causes them to fail surgical management at a higher rate than UCL injuries alone. Treatment of this group requires a thorough history and physical exam, as well as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for surgical planning. Based on the amount of flexor-pronator mass injury, different operative approaches may be warranted. It is important to counsel these patients about their prognosis, especially elite baseball players regarding their chances of returning to their previous level of play.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are occurring with increasing frequency in the adolescent population. Outcomes after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are inconsistently reported in homogeneous patient populations. Purpose/Hypothesis: To evaluate outcomes after bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) autograft ACLR in competitive high school–aged athletes by examining return to sport (RTS), patient satisfaction, and reinjury rates. Our hypothesis was that RTS rates and satisfaction will be high and reinjury rates will be low. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: An institutional ACL registry was utilized to identify competitive high school–aged athletes (14-18 years old) who underwent primary ACLR using BTB autograft with a minimum 2-year follow-up. A postoperative questionnaire was administered to determine rates and types of RTS, quality of sports performance, reinjury, and satisfaction. Uni- and multivariable analyses were used to identify demographic, sport-specific, and clinical factors related to RTS. Results: A total of 53 patients were included (mean ± SD age at the time of surgery, 16.6 ± 1.34 years). Mean follow-up was 3.78 ± 0.70 years (range, 2.60-4.94 years). The overall ipsilateral ACL retear rate was 7.5% (n = 4). There were 10 subsequent ACL tears to the contralateral knee (19%). Forty-four (83%) patients successfully returned to at least their prior level of sport at a mean 10.5 ± 8.7 months (range, 3-48 months). Overall satisfaction was high, with 91% of patients very satisfied with the outcome. Higher confidence levels regarding performance of the reconstructed knee were associated with increased probability of RTS on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: BTB autograft ACLR results in high rates of RTS and satisfaction and low rates of subsequent ipsilateral ACL injuries in competitive high school–aged athletes. Patients with higher confidence in performance of the reconstructed knee are more likely to return to at least their prior level of sport.

To report clinical and functional outcomes including return to preinjury activity level following arthroscopic-assisted coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction (AA-CCR) and to determine associations between return to preinjury activity level, radiographic outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes following AA-CCR.A institutional registry review of all AA-CCR using free tendon grafts from 2007 to 2016 was performed. Clinical assessment included Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score and return to preinjury activity level at final follow-up. Treatment failure was defined as (1) revision acromioclavicular stabilization surgery, (2) unable to return to preinjury activity level, or (3) radiographic loss of reduction (RLOR,25% CC distance compared with contralateral side). SANE scores, return to activity, and RLOR were compared between patients within each category of treatment failure, by grade of injury, and whether concomitant pathology was treated.There were 88 patients (89.8% male) with mean age of 39.6 years and minimum 2-year clinical follow-up (mean 6.1 years). Most injuries were Rockwood grade V (63.6%). Mean postoperative SANE score was 86.3 ± 17.5. Treatment failure occurred in 17.1%: 8.0% were unable to return to activity, 5.7% had RLOR, and 3.4% underwent revision surgery due to traumatic reinjury. SANE score was lower among patients who were unable to return to activity compared with those with RLOR and compared with nonfailures (P = .0002). There were no differences in revision surgery rates, return to activity, or SANE scores according to Rockwood grade or if concomitant pathology was treated.AA-CCR with free tendon grafts resulted in good clinical outcomes and a high rate of return to preinjury activity level. RLOR did not correlate with return to preinjury activity level. Concomitant pathology that required treatment did not adversely affect outcomes. Return to preinjury activity level may be a more clinically relevant outcome measure than radiographic maintenance of acromioclavicular joint reduction.IV (Case Series).

The anatomy of the glenohumeral joint allows for a wide range of motion at the expense of stability. It is the most commonly dislocated joint of the human body. The risk for instability is greatest in overhead sports and collision sports, especially football, rugby, and wrestling. While not a true collision or overhead sport, basketball necessitates physical contact and frequent overhead movements, which can lead to an increased risk of shoulder instability. After an instability event, the treating physician must help the patient decide between nonoperative and operative management. Many variables contribute to this decision, including the age of the patient, duration of symptoms, type of instability, number of instability events, radiological findings, and timing of the injury (i.e., in season or out of season). In general, operative treatment reduces recurrence rates while increasing successful return to play compared to conservative treatment. Therefore, operative management tends to be the preferred approach, especially in young athletes. The following chapter will provide a comprehensive review on shoulder instability in the basketball athlete with a special focus on diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation for successful return to play.

Background: Loss of upper and lower extremity range of motion (ROM) is a significant risk factor for injuries in professional baseball players. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to determine changes in ROM in professional baseball players over the course of a single season and their careers. We hypothesized that pitchers and position players would lose ROM, specifically total shoulder motion (total ROM [TROM]) and hip internal rotation (IR), over the course of a season and their careers. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Upper and lower extremity ROM measurements were recorded during pre-, mid-, and postseason on all professional baseball players for a single organization between 2011 and 2018. ROM measurements were compared for pitchers and position players over the course of the season and their careers. Also, ROM measurements over the pre-, mid-, and postseason were compared between pitchers and position players. Results: A total of 166 professional baseball players (98 pitchers, 68 position players) were included. Pitcher hip external rotation (ER; P < .001), IR ( P = .010), and TROM ( P < .001) for lead and trail legs decreased over the course of the season. Pitcher shoulder ER ( P = .005), TROM ( P = .042), and horizontal adduction ( P < .001) significantly increased over the course of the season. Position player shoulder flexion ( P = .046), hip ER ( P < .001, lead leg; P < .001, trail leg), and hip TROM ( P = .001; P = .002) decreased over the course of the season. Position player shoulder ER ( P = .031) and humeral adduction ( P < .001) significantly increased over the course of the season. Over the course of pitchers’ careers, there was decreased shoulder IR ( P = .014), increased shoulder horizontal adduction ( P < .001), and hip IR ( P = .042) and hip TROM ( P = .027) for the lead leg. Position players experienced loss of hip TROM ( P = .010, lead leg; P = .018, trail leg) over the course of their careers. Pitchers started with and maintained more shoulder ER and gained more shoulder TROM over a season as compared with position players. Conclusion: Pitchers and position players saw overall decreases in hip ROM but increases in shoulder ROM over the course of the season and career.

BACKGROUND: Medial epicondylitis (ME), or “golfer’s elbow,” is often treated initially by conservative means. Up to 15% of recalcitrant cases require surgical intervention, according to small sample populations, but no national study has determined the incidence of the diagnosis or corroborated the rate of surgical intervention. PURPOSE/QUESTION: We sought to review the annual incidence of ME, surgical rates, and health care costs in a population setting. METHODS: A national database was queried for ME from 2007 to 2014. Annual rates and the percentage of diagnosed cases subjected to surgical intervention were recorded. Epidemiologic data was reported with descriptive statistics, and the significant trends over time were analyzed using linear regression. RESULTS: We identified 19,856 cases of ME in the study period. There was a significant increase in the annual incidence and overall incidence per 10,000 patients. The proportion of diagnoses in patients under 65 years of age decreased significantly, while the proportion in those 65 years of age or older significantly increased. The annual number of surgical interventions significantly increased over the study period, although the annual proportion of diagnosed cases proceeding to surgery remained constant. The proportion of patients 65 years of age or older undergoing surgery significantly increased. Total reimbursement for the management of ME during the study period was $1,877,189. While there was a significant increase in the total annual reimbursement, annual per-patient reimbursement did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: While the annual incidence of ME and surgical treatment of ME increased significantly from 2007 to 2014, the proportion of cases treated surgically did not. Notably, the proportion of patients 65 years of age or older diagnosed with and being surgically treated for ME has increased in recent years. Total reimbursement for ME has steadily risen, although per-patient reimbursement rates have not significantly changed.

Background: Recent epidemiologic reports have demonstrated rising injury rates in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB). Although several studies have recently been published on specific injuries, the majority of injuries have not yet been formally studied. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to (1) generate a summative analysis of all injuries that occur in MLB and MiLB, (2) identify the 50 most common injuries, and (3) generate focused reports and fact sheets on the characteristics of each of those diagnoses. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The MLB Health and Injury Tracking System was used to identify injuries occurring in MLB and MiLB players from 2011 to 2016. Injuries were defined as those that occurred during normal baseball activity and resulted in at least 1 day out of play. A multitude of player and injury characteristics were analyzed, and detailed reports of the 50 most commonly occurring injuries were generated. Results: A total of 49,955 injuries occurred during the study period; 45,123 were non–season ending, and they resulted in 722,176 days out of play. The mean (median) days missed per injury was 16 (6) days. Overall, 39.1% of all injuries occurred in pitchers. The upper extremity was involved in 39% of injuries, while 35% occurred in the hip/groin/lower extremity. Surgery was required in 6.5% of cases, and 9.7% of injuries were season ending. Hamstring strains were the most common injury (n = 3337), followed by rotator cuff strain/tear (n = 1874), paralumbar muscle strain (n = 1313), biceps tendinitis (n = 1264), oblique strain (n = 1249), and elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury (n = 1191). The diagnoses that were most likely to end a player’s season were elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury (60% season ending) and superior labrum anterior and posterior tear (50.9% season ending). Conclusion: Contrary to prior reports relying on disabled list data, the annual number of injuries in professional baseball remained steady from 2011 to 2016. Similar trends were noted for the annual number of days missed and mean days missed per injury. Although the mean days missed per injury was high (16), the median was much lower at 6 days.

Injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow is a debilitating condition in overhead throwing athletes, particularly baseball pitchers. In order to restore the primary ligamentous restraint against valgus stress at the elbow, MCL reconstruction is increasingly performed in both adolescent and elite throwing athletes in order to return to competition. We describe the pertinent surgical anatomy and indications for ligament reconstruction. Although various surgical techniques have been reported, we describe our preferred reconstruction with the docking technique through a muscle-splitting approach, which allows for secure graft fixation over bone bridges, identification and treatment of intra-articular pathology, and minimization of ulnar nerve-related complications. Excellent outcomes have been reported in approximately 90% of patients following MCL reconstruction with the docking technique.

To identify risk factors for failure of a therapeutic injection leading to operative management of both medial and lateral epicondylitis.A national database was used to query Medicare Standard Analytic Files from 2005-2012 for patients treated with therapeutic injections for medial or lateral epicondylitis using CPT codes for injections associated with corresponding ICD-9 diagnostic codes (726.31 and 726.32, respectively). Those who subsequently underwent surgical treatment following injection were identified. A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was utilized to evaluate patient-related risk factors for requiring surgery within 2 years after therapeutic injection.1,837 patients received therapeutic injections for medial epicondylitis. 52 (2.8%) required ipsilateral surgery at a mean of 429 ± 28 days post-injection. Risk factors for requiring surgical intervention included age 65, obesity, and morbid obesity. 6,561 patients received therapeutic injections for lateral epicondylitis. 201 (3.1%) required subsequent surgery at a mean of 383 ± 128 days' post-injection. Risk factors included age 65, tobacco use, diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease.The incidence of surgical intervention following a failed therapeutic injection for medial or lateral epicondylitis is low (~3%). Risk factors for failing a therapeutic injection include age 65 years and obesity (BMI 30) for medial epicondylitis and age 65 years, smoking, diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease for lateral epicondylitis. Patients with these identified risk factors presenting with medial or lateral epicondylitis should be cautioned that they carry a higher risk of subsequent surgical treatment.Therapeutic, III.

Background: Likely due to the high level of strain exerted across the elbow during the throwing motion, elbow injuries are on the rise in baseball. To identify at-risk athletes and guide postinjury return-to-throw programs, a better understanding of the variables that influence elbow varus torque is desired. Purpose: To describe the within-subject relationship between elbow varus torque and arm slot and arm rotation in professional baseball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 81 professional pitchers performed 82,000 throws while wearing a motusBASEBALL sensor and sleeve. These throws represented a combination of throw types, such as warm-up/catch, structured long-toss, bullpen throwing from a mound, and live game activity. Variables recorded for each throw included arm slot (angle of the forearm relative to the ground at ball release), arm speed (maximal rotational velocity of the forearm), arm rotation (maximal external rotation of the throwing arm relative to the ground), and elbow varus torque. Linear mixed-effects models and likelihood ratio tests were used to estimate the relationship between elbow varus torque and arm slot, arm speed, and arm rotation within individual pitchers. Results: All 3 metrics—arm slot (χ2 = 428, P < .001), arm speed (χ2 = 57,683, P < .001), and arm rotation (χ2 = 1392, P < .001)—were found to have a significant relationship with elbow varus torque. Within individual athletes, a 1-N.m increase in elbow varus torque was associated with a 13° decrease in arm slot, a 116 deg/s increase in arm speed, and an 8° increase in arm rotation. Conclusion: Elbow varus torque increased significantly as pitchers increased their arm rotation during the arm cocking phase, increased the rotational velocity of their arm during the arm acceleration phase of throwing, and decreased arm slot at ball release. Thus, shoulder flexibility, arm speed, and elbow varus torque (and likely injury risk) are interrelated and should be considered collectively when treating pitchers. Clinical Relevance: It is well established that elbow varus torque is related to ulnar collateral ligament injuries in overhead throwers. This study describes the relationship of arm slot, arm speed, and arm rotation to elbow varus torque in an attempt to identify modifiable risk factors for injury.

Background: There is increased interest in understanding the preoperative determinants of postoperative outcomes. Return to play (RTP) and the patient-reported minimal clinically important difference (MCID) are useful measures of postoperative outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose: To define the MCID after ACLR and to investigate the role of preoperative outcome scores for predicting the MCID and RTP after ACLR. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: There were 294 active athletes enrolled as part of an institutional ACL registry with a minimum 2-year follow-up who were eligible for inclusion. A questionnaire was administered to elicit factors associated with RTP. Patient demographic and clinical data as well as patient-reported outcome measures were captured as part of the registry. Outcome measures included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee evaluation form, Lysholm scale, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS). Preoperative outcome score thresholds predictive of RTP were determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) with area under the curve (AUC) analysis. The MCID was calculated using a distribution-based method. Multivariable logistic models were fitted to identify predictors for achieving the MCID and RTP. Results: At a mean (±SD) follow-up of 3.7 ± 0.7 years, 231 patients were included from a total 294 eligible patients. The mean age and body mass index were 26.7 ± 12.5 years and 23.7 ± 3.2 kg/m2, respectively. Of the 231 patients, 201 (87.0%) returned to play at a mean time of 10.1 months. Two-year postoperative scores on all measures were significantly increased from preoperative scores (IKDC: 50.1 ± 15.6 to 87.4 ± 10.7; Lysholm: 61.2 ± 18.1 to 89.5 ± 10.4; SF-12 PCS: 41.5 ± 9.0 to 54.7 ± 4.6; SF-12 MCS: 53.6 ± 8.1 to 55.7 ± 5.7; P < .001 for all). The corresponding MCID values were 9.0 (IKDC), 10.0 (Lysholm), 5.1 (SF-12 PCS), and 4.3 (SF-12 MCS). Preoperative score thresholds predictive of RTP were the following: IKDC, 60.9; Lysholm, 57.0; SF-12 PCS, 42.3; and SF-12 MCS, 48.3. These thresholds were not independently predictive but achieved significance as part of the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis for RTP, preoperative SF-12 PCS scores above 42.3 (odds ratio [OR], 2.73; 95% CI, 1.09-7.62) and SF-12 MCS scores above 48.3 (OR, 4.41; 95% CI, 1.80-10.98) were predictive for achieving RTP; an ACL allograft (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.06-1.00) was negatively predictive of RTP. In the multivariable analysis for the MCID, patients with higher preoperative scores were less likely to achieve the MCID ( P < .0001); however, a higher preoperative SF-12 MCS score was predictive of achieving the MCID on the IKDC form (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11-1.52) and Lysholm scale (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00-1.16). Medial meniscal injuries, older age, and white race were also associated with a decreased likelihood for achieving the MCID. Conclusion: Preoperative SF-12 MCS and PCS scores were predictive of RTP after ACLR; patients scoring above 42.3 on the SF-12 PCS and 48.3 on the SF-12 MCS were more likely to achieve RTP. Additionally, we defined the MCID after ACLR and found that higher SF-12 MCS scores were predictive of achieving the MCID on knee-specific questionnaires.

National rates of lateral epicondylitis and surgical treatment are poorly defined. Disease burden of lateral epicondylitis (LE) continues to increase annually. Further study is necessary to optimize treatment algorithms to reduce associated health-care expenditures.The purpose of this study is to review the annual incidence of LE, surgical rates, and associated health-care costs in a population setting.A national database was queried for LE from 2007 to 2014. Surgical cases were identified and annual rates were recorded. Demographic and epidemiologic data were reported with descriptive statistics, while trends over time were analyzed using linear regression.Eighty-five thousand three hundred eighteen cases of LE were identified. The annual incidence per 10,000 patients remained constant (The annual incidence of LE and rate of surgical intervention have remained constant from 2007 to 2014. The proportion of patients over65 years diagnosed with, and receiving surgical treatment for, LE has significantly increased in recent years. Total reimbursement and average per-patient reimbursement have steadily risen, demonstrating the increasing burden of cost on the health-care system.

To use a national database to determine (1) the incidence of joint infection after elbow arthroscopy, (2) identify independent patient-related risk factors for infection, and (3) determine the influence of concomitant intra-articular corticosteroid injection on infection risk.The 100% Medicare Standard Analytic Files were queried to identify patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy from 2005 to 2012. Postoperative elbow infections occurring within 6 months of surgery were identified using both International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes for postoperative infection and Current Procedural Terminology codes for the surgical treatment of a postoperative infection. Patients were excluded if their initial arthroscopic procedure was performed for infection. A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was then used to evaluate patient-related risk factors for postoperative infection.Of the 2,704 elbow arthroscopy cases identified, 42 (1.55%) developed a postoperative infection. The annual incidence of infections did not increase significantly over the course of the study (P = .374). A number of patient demographics and medical comorbidities significantly increased the risk of infection. The most notable factors included age ≥ 65 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.38, P = .006), body mass index40 (OR 1.97, P = .024), tobacco usage (OR 1.80, P = .046), alcohol usage (OR 4.01, P.001), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.10, P = .015), inflammatory arthritis (OR 2.81, P.001), hypercoagulable disorder (OR 2.51, P = .015), and intra-articular corticosteroid injection at the time of arthroscopy (OR 2.79, P = .006).The annual number of elbow arthroscopies performed in the United States has increased steadily; however, the postoperative infection rate remained consistently low at 1.55%. There are a number of patient-specific risk factors that increase this risk with OR ranging from 1.97 to 4.01. Similarly, patients who receive an intra-articular corticosteroid injection at the time of surgery are nearly 3 times (OR 2.79) more likely to develop a postoperative infection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Purpose Posterior elbow impingement can cause disabling pain and limited motion during activities involving elbow extension. Less understood is whether arthroscopic treatment, compared to open surgery, can result in effective management of pain, loss of range of motion, and return athletes to previous levels of activity. This study determined whether arthroscopic debridement is a safe and effective treatment for posterior elbow impingement and whether it enables athletes to return to a previous level of function. Methods A retrospective review of 36 consecutive patients that underwent arthroscopic debridement of the posterior elbow was performed. There were 34 male and 2 female patients, with a median age of 32 years (17–54 years). There were 7 professional athletes, 6 college athletes, and 23 high school or recreational athletes. All patients had a positive posterior impingement test for posterior pain with extension and limitations of activity. Arthroscopic debridement and additional surgical procedures were performed, and patients underwent follow-up visits at a median 51 months (range 14–81). Results Significant improvements were seen in pain, motion, and function. No neurovascular complications were seen related to the arthroscopic debridement. The mean Andrews and Timmerman elbow score improved from 159 ± 27 to 193 ± 11 (p

To investigate return to play (RTP) and functional performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in National Basketball Association (NBA) players and to perform a systematic review of the literature to understand RTP after ACLR in professional basketball.NBA players undergoing ACLR between 2008 and 2014 by two surgeons were identified. RTP and performance were assessed based on a review of publically available statistics. A systematic review of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE database. Inclusion criteria were: English language, ACL surgery outcome, professional basketball and RTP outcome. We reviewed studies for RTP rates and RTP performance.Our study included 12 professional basketball players with NBA level experience. Eleven of the 12 players returned to their prior level of play. Eight of the 9 (88.9%) players actively playing in the NBA returned to play in the NBA at a mean 9.8 months. Among players returning to NBA play, during RTP season 1, mean per game statistics decreased for the following: minutes, points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers and personal fouls - none of these changes reached statistical significance. Player efficiency ratings significantly declined from pre-injury (12.5) to the first RTP season (7.6) (p = 0.05). By RTP season 2, player performance metrics approximated pre-injury levels and were not significantly different. Six studies met inclusion criteria; reported RTP rates ranged from 78-86%. Identified studies similarly found a decline in functional performance after RTP.There is a high rate (89%) of return to NBA play for NBA players undergoing ACLR. After RTP, however, there is a quantitative decline in initial season 1 RTP statistics with a significant decrease in player efficiency rating. By RTP season 2, performance metrics demonstrated an improvement compared to RTP season 1 but did not reach pre-injury functional performance, though performance metrics are not significantly different between pre-injury and RTP season 2.

The literature investigating risk factors for failure after decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow (cubital tunnel release [CuTR]) is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for failure of isolated CuTR, defined as progression to subsequent ipsilateral revision surgery.The 100% Medicare Standard Analytic Files from 2005 to 2012 were queried for patients undergoing CuTR. Patients undergoing any concomitant procedures were excluded. A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate patient-related risk factors for ipsilateral revision surgery. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each risk factor.A total of 25,977 patients underwent primary CuTR, and 304 (1.4%) of those with ≥2 years of follow-up required revision surgery. Although the rate of primary procedures is on the rise (P = .002), the revision rate remains steady (P = .148). Significant, independent risk factors for revision surgery included age65 years (OR, 1.5; P .001), obesity (OR, 1.3; P = .022), morbid obesity (OR, 1.3; P = .044), tobacco use (OR, 2.0; P .001), diabetes (OR, 1.3; P = .011), hyperlipidemia (OR, 1.2; P = .015), chronic liver disease (OR, 1.6; P = .001), chronic anemia (OR, 1.6; P = .001), and hypercoagulable disorder (OR, 2.1; P = .001).The incidence of failure requiring ipsilateral revision surgery after CuTR remained steadily low (1.4%) during the study period. There are numerous patient-related risk factors that are independently associated with an increased risk for revision surgery, the most significant of which are tobacco use, younger age, hypercoagulable disorder, liver disease, and anemia.

This study was conducted to identify the rate of failure of operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis, defined as progression to ipsilateral revision surgery, and associated patient-specific risk factors for failure.A national database was used to identify patients undergoing surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis from 2005 to 2012. Patients undergoing concomitant procedures were excluded. Patients who then required subsequent ipsilateral extensor carpi radialis brevis débridement or release within 2 years were identified using similar methods. A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate patient-related risk factors for revision surgery. In addition, the number of preoperative injections (1, 2, or ≥3) in the ipsilateral elbow was identified and included in the regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each risk factor.Of 3863 patients who underwent operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis, 58 (1.5%) required ipsilateral revision surgery. Risk factors for revision surgery included age65 years (OR, 2.95; P = .003), male gender (OR, 1.53; P = .017), morbid obesity (OR, 2.13; P = .002), tobacco use (OR, 1.87; P .001), and inflammatory arthritis (OR, 1.79; P = .009). Having ≥3 ipsilateral preoperative injections was the most significant risk factor (OR, 3.55; P .001), whereas having 2 (OR, 1.44; P = .135) or 1 (OR, 1.15; P = .495) was not significant.The incidence of failure requiring revision surgery for lateral epicondylitis in the studied population is low (1.5%). Risk factors for revision surgery include younger age, male gender, morbid obesity, tobacco use, and inflammatory arthritis. The most significant risk factor for revision surgery is having ≥3 ipsilateral preoperative injections.

Purpose To investigate differences between sport types for patient-reported outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods Included patients were enrolled as part of a prospective institutional ACL registry. Inclusion criteria were preoperative self-identification as a competitive athlete, maximum score on the preoperative Marx Activity Scale, and minimum 2-year follow-up. Demographic, intraoperative, and outcome data were extracted from the registry. Outcome tools administered as part of the registry included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm-Tegner Scales, Marx Activity Scale (MAS), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Results A total of 294 patients with a mean age of 25.5 years (standard deviation 12.1) met the study inclusion criteria; mean follow-up was 3.7 years. Included sports categories were soccer (n = 92; 31.3%), skiing (n = 67; 22.8%), basketball (n = 56; 19.1%), lacrosse (n = 38; 12.9%), football (n = 29; 9.9%), and Tennis (n = 12; 4.1%). At baseline, compared with other sports, lacrosse players have higher outcome scores while skiers had lower scores. At 2-year follow-up, however, across all outcome tools, football players demonstrated significantly higher outcome scores than all other athletes (IKDC, 93.2, P = .001; Lysholm, 93.2, P = .03; MAS, 13.1, P = .03; SF-12 Mental Component Summary, 57.9, P = .0002). Conversely, at 2-year follow-up, soccer players demonstrated a significantly lower Lysholm (86.7, P = .02) and a trend toward lower IKDC (85.6, P = .09) scores. Conclusions Patient-reported outcomes after ACLR among active athletes are comparable. Football players demonstrate quantitatively higher outcome scores whereas soccer players have lower scores. However, these outcome score differences may not be clinically significant and may be subject to confounding variables. Continued attention should be paid to understanding sport-specific outcome after ACLR. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Introduction Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstructions are being performed with an increasing annual incidence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in UCL surgery among recently trained orthopaedic surgeons. Methods The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS) database was used to identify all UCL reconstructions from 2004 to 2013. Procedures were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and verified by International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. Data on surgeon fellowship, practice location, concomitant surgical procedures, and complications were collected. Results One hundred sixty-four UCL reconstructions were performed by 133 ABOS Part II candidates. The annual incidence increased from 1.52 to 3.46 cases per 10,000 (P = 0.042). Reconstructions were most commonly performed by surgeons with fellowship training in sports medicine (65.9%), hand and upper extremity (18.9%), and shoulder and elbow (9.1%). Most reconstructions were performed in isolation (57.3%), or with ulnar nerve transposition (32.9%) or elbow arthroscopy (9.8%). Concomitant elbow arthroscopy rates decreased significantly (P = 0.022). Complications occurred in 9.8% of cases, although the rates did not significantly change (P = 0.466). Conclusions UCL reconstructions are being performed with increasing frequency. Concomitant procedure rates remained the same, although arthroscopy was less commonly performed. Complication rates did not change considerably over the observed period. Further study of the surgical trends and associated long-term outcomes is warranted. Level of evidence Level IV.

Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine whether surgical arthroscopic decompression or ultrasound-guided aspiration of a paralabral cyst would result in suprascapular nerve recovery from axonal regeneration based on electrodiagnostic testing. Methods Nine patients with preoperative electromyography (EMG) evidence of suprascapular neuropathy due to paralabral cysts at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch were prospectively studied. Eight patients underwent arthroscopic surgical decompression, and 1 patient underwent ultrasound-guided aspiration. Postoperative EMG was performed in all patients to evaluate nerve regeneration. Results Three (33%) patients had cysts at the suprascapular notch, whereas 6 (67%) patients had cysts at the spinoglenoid notch. All patients showed complete electrophysiological recovery after decompression. Discussion Decompression of paralabral cysts at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch resulted in postoperative EMG evidence of nerve recovery. Long-term studies with a greater number of patients are required to elucidate time to recovery. Muscle Nerve 59:247-249, 2019.

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction of the elbow is commonly performed on professional baseball pitchers. Recent reports have suggested that revision rates are on the rise and may be higher than previously thought. Purpose: To provide a comprehensive report on current trends, surgical techniques, and outcomes of revision UCL reconstructions performed on professional baseball pitchers between 2010 and 2016. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) was used to compile records of all revision UCL reconstructions performed on professional baseball pitchers between 2010 and 2016. Player data and outcomes were obtained from HITS, and surgical details were obtained from operative reports. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on epidemiologic data. Outcomes (return to play [RTP] rates, RTP times, subsequent injuries, and subsequent surgeries) were compared across the most common surgical techniques (docking vs modified Jobe) and graft sources (palmaris longus autograft vs hamstring autograft). Results: A total of 69 professional baseball pitchers underwent revision UCL reconstruction from 2010 to 2016 at an average of 1424 days (47 months) after their primary surgery. A trend was seen toward increasing numbers of revision surgeries over time ( R2 = 0.441; P = .104). The most commonly used tunnel configuration was the modified Jobe technique (n = 41; 59.4%), and the most commonly used graft was hamstring autograft (n = 34; 49.3%). A majority (76.6%) of pitchers achieved RTP, and 55.3% were able to return to the same level of play. Mean time to RTP was 436 days (14.5 months) for players with a palmaris longus autograft versus 540 days (18 months) for those with a hamstring autograft ( P = .108). Further, the mean time to RTP was 423 days (14 months) for the docking technique versus 519 days (17 months) for the modified Jobe technique ( P = .296). Similar rates of subsequent injuries and surgeries were noted between the 2 revision techniques and 2 most commonly used graft constructs. Conclusion: Revision UCL reconstruction showed relatively high RTP rates (77%), but only 55% of players returned to their same level of play. Mean time to RTP was shorter than that found in other, smaller investigations. Although general trends were seen toward decreased time to RTP for the docking technique and palmaris longus autograft, these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Purpose To develop and validate a standardized patient satisfaction measurement tool for adult patients undergoing primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods A 4-phase iterative process that included item generation and pilot survey development, item reduction, survey readability, and survey validation was used. To develop and validate the Hospital for Special Surgery ACL Satisfaction Survey (HSS ACL-SS), 70 patients were included in the survey development phase and 77 patients were included in the validation phase. The HSS ACL-SS was compared with other currently used ACLR outcome measures including the International Knee Documentation Committee score, Tegner-Lysholm score, Short Form 12 (SF-12) Mental Component Score, and SF-12 Physical Component Score. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, and floor and ceiling effects were assessed. Results The HSS ACL-SS consists of 10 items identified by patients as being important for satisfaction after ACLR. In the validation phase, the mean score on the HSS ACL-SS (of 50) among all patients was 37.9 ± 9.9 (range, 10-50). Statistically significant positive correlations were seen between the HSS ACL-SS score and the International Knee Documentation Committee score (r = 0.351, P = .002) and Tegner-Lysholm score (r = 0.333, P = .003). No statistically significant correlation was found between the satisfaction score and the SF-12 Mental or Physical Component Score. The lowest possible score (10 of 50 points) was achieved in 1 patient (1.3%) and the highest possible score (50 of 50 points) was achieved in 7 patients (9.1%), indicating no significant floor or ceiling effects of the instrument. Internal consistency for all 10 items was strong (Cronbach α, 0.995). The mean intraclass correlation coefficient between test and retest responses was 0.701, indicating moderate agreement. Conclusions The HSS ACL-SS is a validated and reliable patient-derived satisfaction measure with excellent psychometric properties for active adults undergoing ACLR. The results of this study show that the HSS ACL-SS may be a useful tool to measure postoperative patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence Level II, development of diagnostic or monitoring criteria in consecutive patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the current anatomy, biomechanics, presentation, treatment, and outcomes of injuries to the biceps and superior labral complex in overhead athletes. RECENT FINDINGS: The biceps and superior labral complex is composed of anatomically distinct zones. The inability to accurately diagnose biceps lesions contributes to continued morbidity especially as arthroscopy and advanced imaging fail to fully evaluate the entire course of the biceps tendon. Superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) repair, long head of biceps tenodesis, and tenotomy are the most common operative techniques for surgical treatment of biceps-labral complex (BLC) pathology. Labral repair in overhead athletes has resulted in mixed outcomes for athletes and is best indicated for patients under age 40 years old. SUMMARY: Injuries to the BLC are potentially challenging injuries to diagnose and treat, particularly in the overhead athlete. SLAP repair remains the treatment of choice for high-level overhead athletes and patients younger than 40 years of age, while biceps tenodesis and tenotomy are preferred for older patients.

Recurrent shoulder instability in the athlete is a difficult problem to deal with. There are many factors that must be taken into consideration when formulating the best treatment plan for these athletes including age, sport, amount of glenoid bone loss, etc. One other important factor is timing of the season and when to perform surgery if surgery is indicated. This chapter will discuss the case of a young, in-season, contact athlete with recurrent anterior shoulder instability following an arthroscopic stabilization.

Purpose To evaluate the effects of retensioning and knot tying on the biomechanical properties of an adjustable loop anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction device. Methods Testing consisted of 3 phases, which used both adjustable loop devices (ALD) and closed loop devices (CLD) tested under cyclic loading to 4,500 cycles. Phase 1 consisted of implant-only testing using cyclic loading from 50 to 250 N. Phase 2 used relatively unloaded cyclic loading of 10 to 250 N. Phase 3 used a tendon/bone/implant model. Subsets of the ALD implants were subjected to isolated retensioning, isolated knot tying, or a combination of both to allow for independent examination of these interventions. Results In phase 1, retensioning and knot tying reduced final ALD elongation by 60% (0.38 v 0.96 mm; P = .00004). In phase 2, retensioning and knot tying reduced final ALD elongation by 88% (0.51 v 4.22 mm, P = .014). In phase 3, retensioning and knot tying reduced final ALD elongation by 45% (1.5 v 2.7 mm; P = .001), which was half of the elongation of the CLD (3.0 mm; P = .0007). Conclusions The ALD did demonstrate an increase in cyclic elongation as compared with the CLD during both extended loading conditions. The phase 1 ALD elongation (0.96 mm), while statistically greater than the CLD (0.52 mm), was likely not of clinical importance. However, the ALD elongation in phase 2 (4.22 mm) could be of clinical concern. Both of these increased elongations were eliminated by retensioning and knot tying. Furthermore, when evaluating in a graft-femur construct, retensioning and knot tying of the ALD reduced final cyclic elongation by 50% when compared with CLD. Clinical Relevance Retensioning and knot tying after initial reduction of the tendon graft with an adjustable loop ACL fixation device may help to further reduce concerns of loop slippage and displacement with cyclic loading during postoperative rehabilitation.

Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is one of the most common causes of elbow pain and dysfunction in adolescent athletes. It typically occurs in gymnasts and overhead throwers and presents along a wide spectrum of severity. Stable lesions can typically be treated with conservative therapy; however, those presenting with instability, fragmentation, or loose bodies generally require surgical intervention. Although there are a number of described surgical options used to treat capitellar OCD lesions, microfracture is one of the most commonly performed and well studied. Patients who are candidates for microfracture generally have favorable outcomes with high rates of return to athletic activity after postoperative rehabilitation. In this work, we present our preferred arthroscopic technique for microfracture of OCD lesions of the capitellum. This technique is most suitable for patients with unstable or fragmented OCD lesions that are less than 1 cm in diameter and do not violate the lateral-most articular margin of the capitellum.

There is a paucity of reporting on surgical outcomes of isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR). We hypothesize that isolated PCL injuries failing nonoperative treatment achieve good outcomes and are able to return to sport following PCLR.A retrospective analysis was performed to identify patients with isolated PCL injuries that underwent reconstruction between 2001 and 2014. Patients with multi-ligamentous injury or another concomitant knee pathology were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for demographic, clinical and operative data. Patients were contacted for administration of a telephone-based questionnaire which included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation form, Lysholm-Tegner scales, Marx activity scale (MAS), return to sport status, and patient satisfaction instruments.A total of 15 isolated PCL reconstructions in 14 patients with a mean age of 27.5 years (range 17-43) met the study inclusion criteria; mean follow up was 6.3 years (range 1.4-15.2). Pre-operatively, the primary complaint was knee instability in all patients; on physical examination, lack of a firm end point during posterior drawer testing was found in 93% (14/15) of the knees. In total, 12 of 15 knees underwent transtibial, single-bundle PCLR and three of 15 underwent tibial inlay, double bundle PCLR. Graft types included: quadriceps autograft (7/15), Achilles allograft (6/15), and hamstring autograft (2/15). There were no graft failures in our patient cohort. At most recent follow up the mean scores respectively on the IKDC form, Lysholm-Tegner scales and MAS were (standard deviation): 77.3 (16.5), 83.1 (17.9), 6.13 (2.6), and 7.1 (6.0). All fourteen patients were athletes prior to their injury and 79% (11/14) returned to sport and overall patient satisfaction was 9.2/10.Isolated PCLR provides good outcomes at mean medium-term follow up with restoration of function, high rate of return to sport and overall patient satisfaction.

Background: Although cubital tunnel release is a commonly performed orthopaedic procedure, the overall incidence of and independent risk factors for infection largely remain undefined in the current literature. Purpose: To establish the rate of postoperative infection after isolated cubital tunnel release and define relevant patient-related risk factors. Study Design: Case-control study; Level 3. Methods: All Medicare-insured patients undergoing ulnar nerve decompression at the cubital tunnel from 2010 through 2012 were identified. A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the impact of patient-related risk factors for postoperative infection. Results: A total of 330 (2.17%) postoperative infections were identified in 15,188 cases. The majority (87%) were managed nonoperatively, while 13% required surgical debridement. The most significant risk factors for infection included hemodialysis use (odds ratio [OR], 2.47), chronic anemia (OR, 2.24), age Conclusion: The present study was adequately powered to determine numerous patient-related risk factors for infection following cubital tunnel release.

Background: Although vascularity plays a critical role in healing after ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, intraosseous blood flow to the medial epicondyle (ME) and sublime tubercle remains undefined. Purpose: To quantify vascular disruption caused by tunnel drilling with the modified Jobe and docking techniques for UCL reconstruction. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight matched pairs (16 specimens) of fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities were randomized to 1 of 2 study groups: docking technique or modified Jobe technique. One elbow in each pair underwent tunnel drilling by the assigned technique, while the contralateral elbow served as a control. Pregadolinium and postgadolinium magnetic resonance imaging were performed to quantify intraosseous vascularity within the ME, trochlea, and proximal ulna. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and gross dissection were performed to assess terminal vessel integrity. Results: Ulnar tunnel drilling had minimal impact on vascularity of the proximal ulna, with maintenance of >95% blood flow for each technique. Perfusion in the ME was reduced 14% (to 86% of baseline) for the docking technique and 60% (to 40% of baseline) for the modified Jobe technique (mean difference, 46%; P = .029). Three-dimensional CT and gross dissection revealed increased disruption of small perforating vessels of the posterior aspect of the ME for the modified Jobe technique. Conclusion: Although tunnel drilling in the sublime tubercle appears to have a minimal effect on intraosseous vascularity of the proximal ulna, both the docking and modified Jobe techniques reduce flow in the ME. This reduction was 4 times greater for the modified Jobe technique, and these findings have important implications for UCL reconstruction surgery. Clinical Relevance: As the rate of revision UCL reconstructions continues to rise, investigation into causes for failure of primary surgery is needed. One potential cause is poor tendon-to-bone healing due to inadequate vascularity. This study quantifies the amount of vascular insult that is incurred in the ME during UCL reconstruction. While vascular insult is only one of many factors that affects the surgical success rate, surgeons performing this procedure should be mindful of this potential for vascular disruption.

BACKGROUND: As the use of biologic therapies for the management of knee pathology continues to expand, it is more likely that patients will turn to the Internet to gather information on this topic. Given the lack of scientific consensus on the use of biologics, care providers must understand what information is available online. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of websites that patients may use to educate themselves on knee biologics. METHODS: Websites were identified using search terms relevant to multiple biologic therapies available for knee pathology. Websites were scored based on an author-derived grading rubric, with a total of 25 possible points relating to the role of knee biologics in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of knee pathology. Websites were categorized based on the source (e.g., physician-operated website vs. industry-related website). Reading level was assessed with the Flesch-Kincaid readability test. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 375 results, with 96 websites meeting final inclusion criteria. Mean website score was poor, at 6.01 of the 25 possible points (24.0%). Physician websites were the most common, with 60% of the articles identified. Industry-related websites scored the lowest (mean, 3.2 ± 0.97) while hospital-related websites scored the highest (mean, 8.3 ± 2.93). Overall, websites published from hospitals or orthopedic professional societies had significantly higher scores than other websites. The search term “knee PRP” yielded higher-quality results than “knee platelet rich plasma.” Similarly, “knee BMAC” led to better results than “knee bone marrow aspirate concentrate.” The average reading level was 11.4. CONCLUSION: Many online resources are available for patients seeking information about knee biologic therapies, but the quality of websites identified was very poor. Patients should be counseled that the information available online for knee biologic therapy is unreliable. Surgeons should play an increased role in providing resources to patients and educating them on biologic options.

This review discusses the diagnostic and treatment challenges presented by injuries to the biceps and superior labral complex. A focused patient history, numerous physical examination maneuvers, and appropriate advanced imaging studies must be utilized to reach an accurate diagnosis. Nonoperative management, even in overhead athletes, has demonstrated relatively good outcomes, while operative outcomes have yielded mixed results. The surgeon must take into account a number of variables when choosing the appropriate surgical procedure: labral repair versus biceps tenodesis. Rehabilitation, either as nonoperative management or as a postoperative protocol, should focus on restoring glenohumeral and scapulothoracic strength, endurance, and full, pain-free range of motion, while correcting any deficiencies in balance or rhythm throughout the overhead motion. Despite the operative treatment challenges that SLAP tears present, with new techniques and proper patient selection, overhead athletes with injuries to the biceps and superior labrum complex can return to sport at a high level.

Tennis continues to be one of the most popular sports in the world, and as interest grows, our understanding of the physiologic demands of the sport also increases. During the course of a standard tennis match, players are required to repetitively exert themselves in short, but explosive, bursts of energy several hundred times [1]. This is especially true during the serve, but all types of strokes place very unique demands on the upper extremity [2–4]. To better understand the physiologic processes occurring during the serve, it has been broken down into five distinct phases: (1) windup, (2) early cocking, (3) late cocking, (4) acceleration, and (5) follow-through [4, 5]. In order to successfully execute these phases, energy must be transferred efficiently and effectively along the entire kinetic chain of motion. Although the greatest stress to the shoulder occurs during the cocking and acceleration phases, disruption of the kinetic chain at any point in the process can place the shoulder at risk for injury [6].

Dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare injury and typically requires high-energy forces applied through the joint. Initial treatment is dependent on the direction of dislocation, with acute reduction indicated for posterior dislocations presenting with signs of tracheal, esophageal, or neurovascular compression. Although most patients do well with conservative treatment after the initial trauma, some can have persistent pain and scapular dyskinesia due to instability or locked dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint. Stabilization of the sternoclavicular joint with reconstruction may be indicated for those with persistent symptoms despite a trial of steroid injections and physical therapy. In this report and video, we present a figure-of-8 reconstruction technique to reduce and stabilize a posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint using a gracilis autograft. Ultimately, this reconstruction technique can be performed in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner when appropriate surgical steps are followed.

Objectives: The rate of revision medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction continues to rise annually, and two common modes of failure for are inadequate healing at the bone-tendon interface or bony fracture through drill tunnels. Although, vascularity may play a critical role in these processes, the intra-osseous blood flow to the medial epicondyle (ME) and sublime tubercle (ST) remains undefined. The purpose of this work was to better understand the vascularity of the ME and ST at baseline and to quantify vascular disruption caused by tunnel drilling for the two most common UCL reconstruction techniques: the Figure of Eight and Docking. Methods: Eight matched pairs (16 total specimens) of fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities were randomized to one of the two study groups: Docking or Figure of Eight UCL reconstruction. One elbow in each pair underwent drilling of the medial epicondyle and sublime tubercle by the assigned technique, while the contralateral elbow underwent surgical exposure without drilling to serve as a matched control. For all specimens, the brachial artery was cannulated 10 cm distal to the greater tuberosity, and the ulnar artery was cannulated 10 cm proximal to the wrist. All identified remaining vessels were tied off. Pre- and post- gadolinium MRI scans were performed on all study elbows to quantify intra-osseous vascularity by contrast enhancement, which was compared to the contralateral elbow as a matched control. Intra-osseous flow is quantified within a standardized region of interest (ROI) using customized IDL 6.4 software (Exelis, Boulder, Colorado). Following MRI, contrast-enhanced polyurethane latex was injected into all vessels and CT with 3D reconstruction and gross dissection was performed to correlate findings with the MRI and assess vessel integrity. Results: MRI quantification revealed drilling of the ulnar tunnels (which was the same for each group) had a minimal impact on intra-osseous vascularity of the ulna with maintenance of 96% and 99% (p=0.448) of blood flow for the Docking and Figure Eight techniques respectively (Table 1). However, perfusion to the medial epicondyle was reduced 14% (to 86% of baseline) for the Docking Technique and 60% (to 40% of baseline) for the Figure Eight technique (Figure 1). This resulted in a mean difference of 46% in reduced perfusion between the two techniques (p=0.012). Subsequent CT analysis and gross dissection revealed increased disruption of small perforating vessels of the posterior aspect of the medial epicondyle for the Figure of Eight Technique (Figure 1). Conclusion: Although tunnel drilling in the sublime tubercle appears to have minimal effect on intra-osseous vascularity of the proximal ulna, both the Docking Technique and the Figure of Eight Technique reduce flow in the medial epicondyle. This reduction is four times greater for the Figure of Eight Technique, and these findings may have important implications for UCL reconstruction surgery.

Background Amid evidence that the number of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstructions performed annually is on the rise, there continues to be significant variation among surgeons in the management of UCL injuries. The purpose of this paper was to survey the members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) to assess current trends related to the comprehensive treatment of athletes presenting with UCL injury. Methods An online survey was distributed to the active members of the ASES. The survey was composed of 3 sections assessing the demographics of the survey-takers, presenting 7 distinct fictional clinical case scenarios of athletes with UCL injury, and posing a series of more general questions about operative and nonoperative management of UCL injuries. Results There were 159 ASES members who responded to the survey (24% of the active membership); 65 respondents (40.9%) reported >15 years of clinical experience. Of the 7 case scenarios presented, a consensus was reached to indicate the patient for surgery in 4 cases. In all 7 cases, when operative management was the preferred option, a consensus was reached to perform UCL reconstruction. The preferred method of UCL reconstruction among respondents was the docking technique (66.0%); 36.3% of respondents used platelet-rich plasma in their treatment of UCL injuries. Conclusion The survey presented here shows that an overall experienced and well-trained cohort of surgeons tended to agree and often reached consensus opinions on how to approach UCL injury. Professional athletes and those with complete tears were indicated for surgery by consensus, whereas opinion was more divided on how to treat partial tears or nonprofessionals.

Background: Elbow injuries cause significant disability for the throwing athlete. Scant data are available on the distribution and characteristics of these injuries in elite baseball players. No study exists that focuses solely on the epidemiological characteristics of elbow injuries in professional baseball players using a comprehensive injury surveillance system. Hypothesis: Professional baseball players have a high occurrence of elbow injuries influenced by factors including length of time playing, time period within the annual baseball season, and specific position played. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: Data on elbow injuries occurring during the 2011-2014 seasons were collected from Major League Baseball’s Health Injury and Tracking System, a comprehensive injury surveillance system. Each specific type of elbow injury was evaluated with respect to overall injury rate, years as a professional player, mechanism of injury, treatment, average time lost, and return to play. Results: During the study period, 3185 elbow injuries (n = 430 Major League; n = 2755 Minor League) occurred. The mean number of days missed and percentage requiring surgery were similar between Major and Minor League players. Overall, 20.0% (650/3185) of the injuries required surgical treatment. Pitchers were the most likely to incur an elbow injury (40.0% of injured athletes were pitchers), were the most likely to require surgery (34.2% of injured pitchers required surgery), and had the greatest mean number of days missed when treated nonsurgically (33.2 days). Medial injuries composed 42.1% (1342/3185) of all elbow injuries. Of all elbow surgeries performed during the study period, the highest percentage involved ligaments (372/650; 57.2%). Conclusion: Elbow injuries are a considerable source of disability in professional baseball players. Pitchers are most likely to incur these injuries, are most likely to require surgery, and have the highest mean number of days missed when treated nonsurgically. The most common injuries involve the medial elbow, with ligament injuries most often requiring surgery. This study represents the only investigation to date using a comprehensive injury surveillance system to examine elbow injuries in professional baseball players. It provides a basis for injury prevention and treatment recommendations, establishes the most thorough framework for determining elbow injury risk, and focuses continued research on elbow injury prevention in the elite baseball player.

Acromioclavicular joint injuries are among the most common shoulder girdle injuries in athletes and most commonly result from a direct force to the acromion with the arm in an adducted position. Acromioclavicular joint injuries often present with associated injuries to the glenohumeral joint, including an increased incidence of superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) tears that may warrant further evaluation and treatment. Anteroposterior stability of the acromioclavicular joint is conferred by the capsule and acromioclavicular ligaments, of which the posterior and superior ligaments are the strongest. Superior-inferior stability is maintained by the coracoclavicular (conoid and trapezoid) ligaments. Type-I or type-II acromioclavicular joint injuries have been treated with sling immobilization, early shoulder motion, and physical therapy, with favorable outcomes. Return to activity can occur when normal shoulder motion and strength are obtained and the shoulder is asymptomatic as compared with the contralateral normal extremity. The management of type-III injuries remains controversial and is individualized. While a return to the previous level of functional activity with nonsurgical treatment has been documented in a number of case series, surgical reduction and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction has been associated with a favorable outcome and can be considered in patients who place high functional demands on their shoulders or in athletes who participate in overhead sports. Surgical management is indicated for high-grade (≥type IV) acromioclavicular joint injuries to achieve anatomic reduction of the acromioclavicular joint, reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments, and repair of the deltotrapezial fascia. Outcomes after surgical reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments have been satisfactory with regard to achieving pain relief and return to functional activities, but further improvements in the biomechanical strength of these constructs are necessary to avoid loss of reduction and creep with cyclic loading.

In the world of glenoid labral chondral injuries, perhaps the most recognizable by magnetic resonance imaging is the "teardrop" version, and the glenoid labral teardrop lesion is the glenoid chondral lesion most frequently associated with shoulder instability.

Background: There are many risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in professional baseball pitchers. The elbow carrying angle has not been studied as a potential risk factor. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to determine whether elbow carrying angle is a risk factor for shoulder or elbow injuries in professional baseball pitchers. We hypothesized that pitchers with a higher elbow carrying angle would be less likely to sustain an injury during the season than pitchers with a lower elbow carrying angle. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: All professional pitchers for a single baseball club during the 2018 season had the carrying angle of both elbows measured at spring training by a single examiner. The pitchers were followed prospectively throughout the season. Shoulder and elbow injuries were recorded prospectively. Results: A total of 52 pitchers (21 [40%] Major League Baseball and 31 [60%] Minor League Baseball) were included. During the season, 23 (44%) pitchers became injured. The mean carrying angle in the throwing arm was 12.5° ± 4.2° versus 9.9° ± 2.8° in the nonthrowing arm ( P < .001). Comparing the injured and noninjured groups, there were no differences in level of play ( P = .870), throwing hand dominance ( P = .683), batting hand dominance ( P = .554), throwing-side carrying angle ( P = .373), nonthrowing-side carrying angle ( P = .773), or side-to-side difference in carrying angle ( P = .481). Conclusion: The elbow carrying angle was not associated with an injury risk during a single season in professional baseball pitchers.

Background: In recent years, understanding of the anatomy of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) has evolved, demonstrating that the insertional footprint of the UCL on the ulna is more elongated and distally tapered than previously described. Current UCL reconstruction configurations do not typically re-create this native anatomy, which may represent a potential area for improvement. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purposes of this study were (1) to describe a novel anatomic UCL reconstruction technique designed to better replicate the native UCL anatomy and (2) to biomechanically compare this with the docking technique. The hypothesis was that the ultimate load to failure for the anatomic technique would not be inferior to the docking technique. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 16 fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities (8 matched pairs) were utilized. One elbow in each pair was randomized to receive UCL reconstruction via the docking technique or the novel anatomic UCL reconstruction technique with palmaris tendon autograft. Following reconstruction, biomechanical testing was performed by applying valgus rotational torque at a constant rate of 5 deg/s until ultimate mechanical failure of the construct occurred. Maximal torque (N·m), rotation stiffness (N·m/deg), and mode/location of failure were recorded for each specimen. Results: The mean ultimate load to failure for elbows in the docking technique group was 23.8 ± 6.1 N·m, as compared with 31.9 ± 8.4 N·m in the anatomic technique group ( P = .045). Mean rotational stiffness was 1.9 ± 0.7 versus 2.3 ± 0.9 N·m/deg for the docking and anatomic groups, respectively ( P = .338). The most common mode of failure was suture pullout from the graft, which occurred in all 8 (100%) docking technique specimens and 7 of 8 (88%) specimens that underwent the anatomic UCL reconstruction technique. Conclusion: Ultimately, the anatomic UCL reconstruction technique demonstrated superior strength and resistance to valgus torque when compared with the docking technique, and this was comparable with that of the native UCL from prior studies. Increased initial strength may allow for earlier initiation of throwing postoperatively and potentially shorten return-to-play times. Clinical Relevance: Current UCL reconstruction techniques do not accurately reproduce the UCL insertional anatomy on the ulna. The novel anatomic technique described may result in more natural joint kinematics. This study demonstrated load-to-failure rates that are significantly higher than with the docking technique and consistent with the native ligament, as reported from previous studies. These findings may serve as a foundation for future clinical study and optimization of this technique.