Modified Jobe Versus Docking Technique for Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 236-248
Author(s):  
Austin M. Looney ◽  
David X. Wang ◽  
Christine M. Conroy ◽  
Jake E. Israel ◽  
Blake M. Bodendorfer ◽  
...  

Background: The modified Jobe and docking techniques are the most common techniques used for elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction. Previous systematic reviews have suggested that the docking technique results in superior outcomes as compared with the Jobe (figure-of-8) technique. However, these included results from earlier studies in which the flexor-pronator mass (FPM) was detached and an obligatory submuscular ulnar nerve transposition was performed. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to compare the outcomes and return-to-play (RTP) time between the docking and figure-of-8 techniques for UCL reconstruction. We hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in the proportion of excellent outcomes between techniques when the FPM was preserved and no obligatory submuscular ulnar nerve transposition was performed. We also hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in RTP time between techniques. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This study was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. In the primary analysis, techniques were compared in random effects models by using the restricted maximum likelihood method, with weighted effect sizes calculated as the Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformed proportion of excellent outcomes for variance stabilization and with summary effects estimated from the inverse double-arcsine transformation per the harmonic mean of the sample sizes. Mean RTP times for techniques were compared in a separate model. Results: There were 21 eligible articles identified, with results for 1842 UCL reconstructions (n = 320, docking; n = 1466, figure-of-8). Without controlling for the effects of flexor-pronator detachment and submuscular ulnar nerve transposition, a significantly larger proportion of excellent outcomes was observed with docking reconstruction (86.58%; 95% CI, 80.42%-91.85%) than with figure-of-8 reconstruction (76.76%; 95% CI, 69.65%-83.25%; P = .031); however, there was no significant difference between techniques when controlling for FPM preservation or detachment with submuscular nerve transposition ( P = .139). There was no significant difference between techniques in time to return to sports ( P = .729), although no reconstructions with FPM detachment and submuscular ulnar nerve transposition were available for RTP time analysis. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the proportion of excellent Conway Scale outcomes or RTP time between the docking and modified Jobe techniques for UCL reconstruction when the FPM was preserved and routine submuscular ulnar nerve transposition was not performed.

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1263-1269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason B. Clain ◽  
Mark A. Vitale ◽  
Christopher S. Ahmad ◽  
David E. Ruchelsman

Background: While ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) of the elbow is an increasingly commonly performed procedure with excellent results reported in the published literature, less attention has been paid to specifically on the characterization of postoperative ulnar nerve complications, and it is unclear what operative strategies may influence the likelihood of these complications. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence and type of ulnar nerve complications after UCLR of the elbow based on the entirety of previously published outcomes in the English literature. In addition, this study examined how the rate of ulnar nerve complications varied as a function of surgical exposures, graft fixation techniques, and ulnar nerve management strategies. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was completed using the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid databases. UCLR case series that contained complications data were included. Ulnar neuropathy was defined as any symptoms or objective sensory and/or motor deficit(s) after surgery, including resolved transient symptoms. Meta-analysis of the pooled data was completed. Results: Seventeen articles (n = 1518 cases) met the inclusion criteria, all retrospective cohort studies. The mean prevalence of postoperative ulnar neuropathy was 12.0% overall after any UCLR procedure at a mean follow-up of 3.3 years, and 0.8% of cases required reoperation to address ulnar neuropathy. There were no cases of intraoperative ulnar nerve injury reported. The surgical approach associated with the highest rate of neuropathy was detachment of flexor pronator mass (FPM) (21.9%) versus muscle retraction (15.9%) and muscle splitting (3.9%). The fixation technique associated with the highest rate of neuropathy was the modified Jobe (16.9%) versus DANE TJ (9.1%), figure-of-8 (9.0%), interference screw (5.0%), docking technique (3.3%), hybrid suture anchor-bone tunnel (2.9%), and modified docking (2.5%). Concomitant ulnar nerve transposition was associated with a higher neuropathy rate (16.1%) compared with no handling of the ulnar nerve (3.9%). Among cases with concomitant transposition performed, submuscular transposition resulted in a higher rate of reoperation for ulnar neuropathy (12.7%) compared with subcutaneous transposition (0.0%). Conclusion: Despite a perception that UCLR has minimal morbidity, a review of all published literature revealed that 12.0% of UCLR surgeries result in postoperative ulnar nerve complications. UCLR techniques associated with the highest rates of neuropathy were detachment of the FPM, modified Jobe fixation, and concomitant ulnar nerve transposition, although it remains unclear whether there is a causal relationship between these factors and subsequent development of postoperative ulnar neuropathy due to limitations in the current body of published literature.


2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110239
Author(s):  
Austin M. Looney ◽  
Nathan P. Fackler ◽  
Mark A. Pianka ◽  
Blake M. Bodendorfer ◽  
Caroline M. Fryar ◽  
...  

Background: The most commonly used techniques for elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) are the docking and modified Jobe figure-of-8 techniques. Previous literature has suggested that UCLR with the docking technique is associated with fewer complications; however, these studies included results from the original classic Jobe technique without controlling for the effects of flexor pronator mass (FPM) detachment and routine submuscular ulnar nerve transposition (UNT). Purpose/Hypothesis: This study sought to compare the rates of complications and subsequent unplanned surgical procedures between the docking and figure-of-8 techniques. We hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in the rates of complications or subsequent unplanned surgical procedures between the techniques when the FPM was preserved and no routine submuscular UNT was performed. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A series of mixed-effects multivariate metaregression models were implemented using the restricted maximum likelihood method. Complications and subsequent unplanned surgical procedures were modeled as Freeman-Tukey transformed incidence rates for variance stabilization, and nerve-specific complications were assessed as the Freeman-Tukey transformed proportion of cases, with back-transformation to estimate summary effects. Results: There were 19 studies eligible for qualitative analysis, consisting of 1788 cases of UCLR (303 docking, 1485 figure-of-8), 18 of which were suitable for quantitative analysis (1769 cases; 291 docking, 1478 figure-of-8). A total of 338 complications were reported (17 for docking, 321 for figure-of-8), the majority of which were nerve related. Additionally, a total of 75 subsequent unplanned surgical procedures were related to the index UCLR procedure. There was no significant difference in the rate of complications ( P = .146) or proportion of cases with nerve-specific complications ( P = .127) between the docking and figure-of-8 techniques when controlling for FPM preservation versus detachment with submuscular UNT. FPM detachment with submuscular UNT was independently associated with a significantly higher proportion of postoperative nerve-related complications ( P = .004). There was also no significant difference in the rates of subsequent unplanned surgical procedures between the docking and figure-of-8 techniques ( P = .961), although FPM detachment with routine submuscular UNT was independently associated with a significantly higher incidence of subsequent unplanned surgical procedures. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate no significant difference in the rates of complications or subsequent unplanned surgical procedures between the figure-of-8 and docking techniques for UCLR when controlling for FPM preservation versus detachment with submuscular UNT. With modern muscle-sparing approaches and avoiding submuscular UNT, the modified Jobe technique does not differ significantly from the docking technique in terms of complication rates, proportions of cases with nerve-specific complications, or rates of subsequent unplanned surgical procedures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596712110554
Author(s):  
Somnath Rao ◽  
Taylor D’Amore ◽  
Donald P. Willier ◽  
Richard Gawel ◽  
Robert A. Jack ◽  
...  

Background: Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) leading to medial elbow instability and possible ulnar neuritis is common in overhead-throwing athletes. Treatment may require UCL reconstruction (UCLR) and concomitant ulnar nerve transposition (UNT) for those with preoperative ulnar neuritis. Purpose: To evaluate the return-to-play (RTP) rates, clinical outcomes, and rates of persistent ulnar neuritis after concomitant UCLR and UNT in a cohort of baseball players with confirmed preoperative ulnar neuritis. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Eligible patients were those who underwent concomitant UCLR and UNT at a single institution between January 2008 and June 2018 and who had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Additional inclusion criteria were athletes who identified as baseball players and who had a confirmed history of ulnar neuritis. Patients were contacted at a minimum of 2 years from surgery and assessed with the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow Score, Andrew-Timmerman (A-T) Elbow Score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, and a custom RTP questionnaire. Results: Included were 22 male baseball players with a mean age of 18.9 ± 2.1 years (range, 16-25 years). The mean follow-up was 6.1 ± 2.4 years (range, 2.5-11.7 years). Preoperatively, all 22 patients reported ulnar nerve sensory symptoms, while 4 (18.2%) patients reported ulnar nerve motor symptoms. At the final follow-up, 7 (31.8%) patients reported persistent ulnar nerve sensory symptoms, while none of the patients reported persistent ulnar nerve motor symptoms. Overall, 16 (72.7%) players were able to return to competitive play at an average of 11.2 months. The mean postoperative patient-reported outcome scores for the KJOC Shoulder and Elbow Score, MEPS, A-T Elbow Score, and SANE score were 77.9 ± 20.9 (range, 14-100), 92.7 ± 12.7 (range, 45-100), 86.1 ± 17.1 (range, 30-100), and 85.5 ± 14.8 (range, 50-100), respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that after concomitant UCLR and UNT for UCL insufficiency and associated ulnar neuritis, baseball players can expect reasonably high RTP rates and subjective outcomes; however, rates of persistent sensory ulnar neuritis can be as high as 30%.


2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110538
Author(s):  
Anthony F. De Giacomo ◽  
Robert A. Keller ◽  
Michael Banffy ◽  
Neal S. ElAttrache

Background: No study has specifically evaluated how ulnar neuritis and ulnar nerve transposition affect outcomes in baseball players undergoing ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR). Purpose: To evaluate the effects of ulnar neuritis and ulnar nerve transposition in baseball pitchers undergoing UCLR in regard to return to sport, time to return to sport, and need for revision or additional surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: At a single institution, all consecutive baseball pitchers undergoing UCLR between 2002 and 2015 were identified. Ulnar neuritis was diagnosed preoperatively by the following criteria: ulnar nerve symptoms, Tinel sign at the elbow, symptomatic subluxation, and numbness/paresthesia in an ulnar nerve distribution of the hand. The primary outcome of the study was return to sport. The secondary outcomes of the study were time to return to sport, length of playing career, and revision or additional surgery. Results: A total of 578 UCLRs were performed in baseball players; of these, 500 UCLRs were performed in pitchers. Ulnar neuritis was diagnosed in 97 (19.4%) baseball pitchers presenting with UCL injury. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics or surgical techniques performed for reconstruction between baseball pitchers with and without ulnar neuritis. In review of injury characteristics, ulnar neuritis was significantly more likely to be diagnosed in pitchers with an acute onset of UCL injury ( P = .03). Transposition of the ulnar nerve was more commonly performed in players with ulnar neuritis (47%) versus those without ulnar neuritis (10%; P = .0001). The players who had ulnar neuritis and underwent UCLR had a significantly lower odds of returning to sport (odds ratio, 0.45; P = .04); however, no significant difference was found for time to return to sport and length of playing career for those with and without ulnar neuritis ( P = .38 and .51, respectively). Conclusion: The study suggests that ulnar neuritis, when present preoperatively in baseball pitchers undergoing UCLR, may adversely affect their ability to return to sport, whereas ulnar nerve transposition at the time of UCLR does not alter the ability to return to sport.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 232596712110383
Author(s):  
Marcus A. Rothermich ◽  
Glenn S. Fleisig ◽  
Hunter E. Lucas ◽  
Michael K. Ryan ◽  
Benton A. Emblom ◽  
...  

Background: Recent innovative techniques have led to renewed interest in ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair. Although early outcome data regarding the clinical outcome of overhead athletes undergoing UCL repair with augmentation have been encouraging, long-term data are still needed to evaluate both the appropriate indications and success rate for this procedure. Purpose: To describe and evaluate the acute complications seen in a large cohort of patients who underwent UCL repair with internal brace augmentation at a single institution. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of a prospectively collected database, consisting of all patients who underwent UCL repair with internal brace augmentation utilizing a collagen-dipped FiberTape at our institution from August 2013 to January 2020. Patient characteristics, injury setting, side of surgery, and concomitant ulnar nerve transposition procedures were recorded. Early complications of UCL repair (within 6 months of the procedure) were evaluated and characterized as either minor or major, depending on whether the patient required a return to the operating room. Results: Of the 353 patients who underwent UCL repair at our institution with a minimum of 6-month follow-up, 84.7% (299/353) reported no complications, 11.9% (42/353) reported minor complications—including ulnar nerve paresthesia, postoperative medial elbow pain, and postoperative superficial wound complications—and 3.4% (12/353) required a return to the operating room because of a major complication requiring ulnar nerve exploration/debridement, primary ulnar nerve transposition, or heterotopic ossification excision. Conclusion: The low major complication rate identified in this study further validates the efficacy of the UCL repair with the internal bracing augmentation technique. Longer term follow-up data are needed to more adequately assess the outcomes and durability of this procedure.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0016
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Erickson ◽  
Peter Nissen Chalmers ◽  
John D’Angelo ◽  
Kevin Ma ◽  
Anthony A. Romeo

Background: Isolated ulnar nerve decompression/transposition is an uncommon surgery amongst professional baseball players. Purpose: To determine the rate of return to sport (RTS) and performance upon RTS in professional baseball players following isolated ulnar nerve decompression/transposition, including those who required an ulnar nerve transposition/decompression following ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR), and to determine if outcomes differ between players with isolated ulnar nerve decompression/transposition and matched controls. Hypothesis: There is a high rate of RTS in professional baseball players undergoing isolated ulnar nerve decompression/transposition with no significant difference in RTS rate or performance (specifically related to the primary outcome performance variables of earned run average (ERA), WHIP ((walks +hits)/innings pitched), wins above replacement (WAR), and on base + slugging percentage (OPS)) between cases and controls. Methods: All professional baseball players who underwent isolated ulnar nerve decompression/transposition between 2010-2016 were included. Demographic and performance data (pre and post surgery) for each player was recorded. Performance metrics were then compared between cases and a group of matched controls. Results: Overall 52 players, 83% pitchers (14 who underwent prior UCLR) were included. Most surgeries (92%) were anterior subcutaneous transpositions. Overall, 62% of players were able to successfully RTS and 56% returned to the same or a higher level. There was no significant difference between cases and controls in the majority of performance metrics pre-operative or post-operatively, specifically ERA, WHIP, WAR, and OPS. When players who had a UCLR prior to their ulnar nerve transposition/decompression were compared to controls with a history of a UCLR but who did not go on to have an ulnar nerve transposition/decompression, the only performance difference of all the recorded metrics was cases allowed more walks per 9 innings (4.4 vs. 2.8; p=0.011). Conclusion: Anterior subcutaneous transposition is the most common surgery in professional baseball players to address ulnar nerve compression. Players have a 62% rate of RTS. Upon RTS, players performance compared to matched controls remains the same in the majority of performance metrics including ERA, WHIP, WAR, and OPS. Post-operatively, pitchers with a UCLR prior to ulnar nerve transposition/decompression performed the same as matched controls with prior UCLR.


2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 1120-1129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Hall ◽  
Michael Shaughnessy ◽  
Griffin Boll ◽  
Kenneth Warner ◽  
Helen W Boucher ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundInfective endocarditis (IE) often requires surgical intervention. An increasingly common cause of IE is injection drug use (IDU-IE). There is conflicting evidence on whether postoperative mortality differs between people with IDU-IE and people with IE from etiologies other than injection drug use (non–IDU-IE). In this manuscript, we compare short-term postoperative mortality in IDU-IE vs non–IDU-IE through systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsThe review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Publication databases were queried for key terms included in articles up to September 2017. Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohorts, or retrospective cohorts that reported on 30-day mortality or in-hospital/operative mortality following valve surgery and that compared outcomes between IDU-IE and non–IDU-IE were included.ResultsThirteen studies with 1593 patients (n = 341 [21.4%] IDU-IE) were included in the meta-analysis. IDU-IE patients more frequently had tricuspid valve infection, Staphylococcus infection, and heart failure before surgery. Meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in 30-day postsurgical mortality or in-hospital mortality between the 2 groups.ConclusionsDespite differing preoperative clinical characteristics, early postoperative mortality does not differ between IDU-IE and non–IDU-IE patients who undergo valve surgery. Future research on long-term outcomes following valve replacement is needed to identify opportunities for improved healthcare delivery with IDU-IE.


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