Return to Play after Nonsurgical Treatment of Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Professional Baseball Players

Objectives: In the setting of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury, surgical reconstruction of the UCL is not always selected, as it leads to a prolonged recovery time and return to play rates between 67-95%. To date, there is limited data on outcomes following nonoperative treatment in this population. Orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have recently been used as an adjunct therapy for standard nonoperative treatment including rest and physical therapy for UCL injuries. The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of PRP injections in professional baseball players with UCL injuries reduces recovery time, lowers the likelihood of surgery, and increases the return to play rate compared to traditional nonoperative treatment. Methods: The Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) database was searched from 2011-2015 for Major and Minor league baseball players with Grade I, II or III UCL injuries. Standard demographic, injury, and return to play data was obtained for all players. MRI’s for 353 athletes were reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist and graded accordingly. Outcomes were compared between players who received PRP injections in addition to traditional nonoperative treatment (PRP group) and players who received traditional nonoperative treatment alone (No PRP group). Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s T-test and Chi-square for parametric data. Kaplan Meier’s analysis was used for estimating longevity of the treatment. Results: A total of 544 Major and Minor League Baseball players with UCL tears underwent an initial course of nonoperative treatment (active rest & rehabilitation) for their injury between 2011-2015. Of these, 133 underwent PRP injections plus rehab and 411 underwent rehab alone. There was a significantly higher proportion of Major League Baseball players in the PRP group compared to the No PRP group (25.6% vs 9.0%, P<0.001). There was no difference between the two cohorts in regard to the grade of UCL tear (Figure 1). The players in the PRP group had a significantly longer time before returning to a throwing program compared to the No PRP group (64 days vs 51 days, P<0.001). The mean time from injury date to PRP injection was 14.5 days, which may explain the difference in time to return to throwing. The return to play rate in a live game without surgery was significantly lower in the PRP group compared to the No PRP group (46% vs 57%, P=0.03). There was no difference in the proportion of athletes requiring UCL reconstruction (58% vs 51%) or the time to surgery (154 days vs 178 days) between the two groups. Kaplan Meier survivor analysis showed no difference between the PRP and No PRP groups with regard to longevity of the native UCL (Figure 2). Conclusion: Among Major and Minor League Baseball players who were treated nonoperatively for a UCL injury between 2011-2015, 24% underwent PRP injections prior to rehab. Compared to traditional nonoperative rehab alone program, players who received PRP injections experienced a significantly longer time before returning to throwing, which may be in part due to the delay between the injury date and PRP injection. PRP injections did not appear to have a significant effect on the likelihood of surgical intervention.

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Comparison of Outcomes Based on Graft Type and Tunnel Configuration for Primary Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball Pitchers

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546519831705 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (5) ◽

pp. 1103-1110 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Timothy B. Griffith ◽

Christopher S. Ahmad ◽

Prakash Gorroochurn ◽

John D’Angelo ◽

Michael G. Ciccotti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Return To Play ◽

Professional Baseball ◽

Reconstruction Technique ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Baseball Players ◽

Palmaris Longus ◽

Elbow Injuries ◽

Elbow Surgery ◽

Baseball Pitchers

Background: Professional baseball pitchers are at high risk for tears of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow, often requiring surgical reconstruction. Despite acceptable published return-to-play outcomes, multiple techniques and graft types have been described. Purpose: This study compares UCL reconstruction (UCLR) outcomes based on tunnel configuration and graft type. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: After approval from our institutional review board and Major League Baseball (MLB), 566 professional baseball pitchers who underwent UCLR between 2010 and 2014 were identified and included. The following patient characteristics were analyzed: age, pitching role (starter vs reliever), level of play (MLB vs Minor League Baseball [MiLB]), and throwing side dominance. Surgical factors analyzed included reconstruction technique, graft type, and concomitant procedures. Primary outcome measures consisted of the ability to return to play at any level (RTP), ability to return to the same level of play (RSL), time to return, subsequent elbow injuries, and need for subsequent or revision elbow surgery. The effects of patient and surgical factors on outcomes were analyzed using multivariate linear and logistic regression modeling. Results: The RTP rate was 79.9%, and the RSL rate was 71.2%. Grafts used to reconstruct the UCL included the palmaris longus autograft (n = 361, 63.7%), the gracilis autograft (n = 135, 23.8%), and other grafts (n = 70, 12.5%). Surgical techniques utilized were the docking technique (n = 171, 30.2%), the modified Jobe technique (n = 290, 51.2%), and other techniques (n = 105, 18.6%). There were no significant differences in the time to RTP or RSL based on reconstruction technique or graft type. RTP rates were similar for the docking versus modified Jobe technique (80.1% vs 82.4%, respectively; P = .537) and for the 2 primary graft types (83.1% for palmaris longus vs 80.7% for gracilis; P = .596). The rate of subsequent elbow surgery was 10.5% for the docking technique versus 14.8% for the modified Jobe technique ( P = .203), and the rate of revision UCLR was 2.9% versus 6.2% for the docking versus modified Jobe technique, respectively ( P = .128). Significant trends toward an increasing use of the palmaris longus autograft ( P = .023) and the docking technique ( P = .006) were observed. MLB pitchers were more likely than MiLB pitchers to RTP ( P < .001) and RSL ( P < .001), but they required a longer time to return (mean difference, 35 days; P = .039) and had a higher likelihood of subsequent elbow (odds ratio [OR], 3.58 [95% CI, 2.06-6.23]; P < .001) and forearm injuries (OR, 5.70 [95% CI, 1.99-16.30]; P = .004) but not subsequent elbow surgery. No specific variables correlated with the rates of subsequent elbow surgery or revision UCLR in the multivariate analysis. The use of concomitant ulnar nerve transposition did not affect outcomes. Conclusion: Surgical outcomes in professional baseball players are not significantly influenced by UCLR technique or graft type. There was a high rate (46.3%) of subsequent throwing elbow injuries. MLB pitchers were more likely to RTP and RSL, but they had a higher frequency of subsequent elbow and forearm injuries than MiLB pitchers. Both the docking technique and the palmaris longus autograft are increasing in popularity among surgeons treating professional baseball players.

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Comparison of Outcomes Based on Graft Type and Tunnel Configuration for Primary Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967118s00087 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽

pp. 2325967118S0008

Author(s):

Timothy B. Griffith ◽

Christopher S. Ahmad ◽

Michael G. Ciccotti ◽

John D’Angelo ◽

Joshua S. Dines ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ligament Reconstruction ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Return To Play ◽

Professional Baseball ◽

Reconstruction Technique ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Baseball Players ◽

Elbow Surgery ◽

Baseball Pitchers ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

Objectives: Professional baseball pitchers are at high risk for tears of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow, often requiring subsequent surgical reconstruction. Despite acceptable published return to play outcomes, multiple techniques and graft types have been described. There is a paucity of clinical data in the current literature comparing UCL reconstruction surgical technique and graft type. Even less is known about the risks for subsequent injury, surgery, or revision UCL reconstruction. Accordingly, this study compares UCL reconstruction outcomes based on tunnel configuration and graft type. Methods: Following approval from our institutional review board and Major League Baseball (MLB), 566 professional baseball pitchers who underwent UCL reconstruction between 2010 and 2014 were identified and included. The following patient demographics were analyzed: age, pitching role (starter vs. reliever), level of play (MLB vs. Minor League Baseball [MiLB]), and throwing side dominance. Surgical factors analyzed included reconstruction technique (Docking vs. Modified Jobe), graft type (palmaris longus autograft vs. gracilis autograft), and concomitant procedures. Primary outcome measures consisted of: the ability to return to play at any level (RTP), to return to the same level of play (RSL), the time to return, subsequent elbow injuries, and the need for subsequent or revision elbow surgery. The impact of the patient and surgical factors on outcomes were analyzed using multivariate linear and logistic regression modeling. Results: The overall RTP was 79.9% and RSL was 71.2%. There were no significant differences in the time to RTP or RSL based on reconstruction technique or graft type. RTP rates were similar for the Docking vs. Modified Jobe techniques (80.1% vs. 82.4%; p=0.537) and for the two primary graft types (83.1% for palmaris vs. 80.7% for gracilis; p=0.596). The risk of subsequent elbow surgery was 10.5% for the Docking Technique vs. 14.8% for the Modified Jobe (p=0.203); and the risk for subsequent UCL revision reconstruction surgery was 2.9% vs. 6.2% for the Docking vs. Modified Jobe Techniques, respectively (p=0.128). Significant trends towards an increasing use of palmaris autograft (p=0.023) and the docking technique (p=0.006) were observed. MLB pitchers were more likely than MiLB pitchers to RTP (p<0.001) and to RSL (p<0.001), but they required a longer time to return (mean difference 35 days; p=0.039), had a higher likelihood of subsequent elbow (OR 3.58; 95% CI 2.055 to 6.231; p<0.001) and forearm injuries (OR 5.695; 95% CI 1.99 to 16.302; p=0.004), but not subsequent elbow surgery. No specific variables were noted to be predictive of subsequent elbow or revision surgery in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Surgical outcomes in professional baseball players are not significantly influenced by ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction technique or graft type usage. Major League players are more likely to RTP and RSL, but they have a higher frequency of subsequent elbow and forearm injuries. Both the Docking Technique and palmaris autograft are increasing in popularity amongst surgeons treating professional baseball players.

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Outcomes of Non-Operatively Treated Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Professional Baseball Players by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tear Grade and Location

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967119s00311 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (7_suppl5) ◽

pp. 2325967119S0031

Author(s):

Aakash Chauhan ◽

Peter Nissen Chalmers ◽

Peter Douglas McQueen ◽

Christopher L. Camp ◽

Hollis G. Potter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Operative Treatment ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Return To Play ◽

Professional Baseball ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Survivorship Analysis ◽

Baseball Players ◽

Injury Grade ◽

Relationship Of

Objectives: Evaluate the relationship of 1) MRI tear grade and 2) injury location with outcomes for non-operatively treated elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries in professional baseball players. Methods: 544 professional baseball players were identified from the MLB Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) that were treated non-operatively for their UCL injuries from 2011-2015. Of these players, 237 MRI’s were directly available for review by an independent, expert musculoskeletal radiologist who evaluated the grade (Grade I -edema, II-partial tear, III-complete tear) and location of the tears (humeral, ulnar, both-sided). Player demographics and outcomes including return to throwing (RTT), return to play (RTP), failed non-operative treatment leading to UCL reconstruction (UCLR), and Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis of the native UCL to re-injury or surgery based on MRI grade and tear location was measured. A multivariate analysis adjusting for age, MRI grade, tear location, and level of play (Major = MLB; Minor = MiLB) was also performed. Results: The average age of all players was 22.5 years, 90% played at the MiLB level, and 84% were pitchers. The radiologist’s MRI injury grade was distributed as follows: Grade I (36%), Grade II (49%), and Grade III (15%) injuries. The tear locations were distributed as follows: humeral (65%), ulnar (13%), and both-sided (22%). There were no statistically significant differences in RTT, RTP, and UCLR by grade or tear location. However, objectively, ulnar-sided tears had the lowest RTT (81%) and RTP (42%). The ulnar (58%) and both-sided (60%) tears also had an objectively higher rate of UCLR compared to humeral sided tears (51%, p=0.441). The survivorship analysis showed a consistent decline over time with increasing MRI grade. By location, humeral tears had the highest survivorship (1 yr = 51%; 2 yr = 44%). However, there was no statistically significant differences in survivorship for either grade or location. Multivariate analysis measured the likelihood of not returning to play as 3 times higher [95% CI: 1-9.3; p=0.044] for older players (>25) compared to younger players. The likelihood of having re-injury or UCLR after non-operative treatment failed was almost 6 times higher [95% CI: 1.5-21.7; p=0.012] for MLB players as opposed to MiLB players. MRI grade and tear location were not significantly predictive of returning to play, re-injury, or surgery. Conclusion: This is the largest study to evaluate the prognostic relationship of MRI injury grade and tear location with outcomes for non-operatively treated elbow UCL tears in professional baseball players. Lower MRI grade and humeral location were objectively associated with a higher RTT, higher RTP, lower UCLR, and higher survival compared to higher grade, and ulnar or both-sided tears. Older age (>25) had a significantly higher likelihood of not returning to play after non-operative treatment. Competing at the MLB level had a higher likelihood of re-injury or having UCLR. Based on this study, non-operative treatment of UCL injuries will likely be more successful in younger players, lower grade tears, and humeral-sided injuries.

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Return to Play Following Nonoperative Treatment of Partial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Professional Baseball Players: A Critically Appraised Topic

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2018-0110 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (6) ◽

pp. 660-664

Author(s):

Nicole Cascia ◽

Tim L. Uhl ◽

Carolyn M. Hettrich

Keyword(s):

Conservative Treatment ◽

Conservative Management ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Nonoperative Treatment ◽

Return To Play ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Professional Baseball ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Baseball Players

Clinical Scenario: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are highly prevalent in professional baseball players with the success of operative management being well known in the literature. Return to play (RTP) rates following nonoperative management of partial UCL injuries in professional baseball players are not well established in the literature. With a UCL tear being a potential career-ending injury, it is imperative that the best treatment option is provided to these throwing athletes. There is an increase in the incidence of UCL surgical rates and a lack of general agreement on nonoperative treatment of partial UCL injuries as reported by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons in 2017. There is also a lack of clarity on when to initiate rehabilitation, which may be due to the limited amount of studies reporting success of RTP rates and time to RTP following conservative interventions of partial UCL injuries. Evidence on the RTP rates seen following conservative management of partial UCL tears injuries can help guide health care providers in deciding on the best treatment option for professional baseball athletes who desire to return to their athletic careers. These rates of RTP will add valuable objective input when determining if conservative management is the best choice. To determine the current evidence, inclusion criteria for the literature search consisted of RTP rates following conservative treatment in professional baseball players between inception and 2018. Clinical Question: Is there evidence for successful RTP rates in professional baseball players following conservative treatment of a UCL injury? Summary of Key Findings: Three retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Of those, 2 reported RTP rates following a nonoperative rehabilitation program of a UCL injury, whereas 1 reported RTP rates after injection therapy in subjects who attempted a trial of conservative treatment. All 3 studies considered location and grade of UCL tear. Successful RTP rates (66%–100%) were reported in professional baseball players following nonoperative treatment of partial UCL injuries. Clinical Bottom Line: Current evidence supports high success with RTP rates up to 100% after nonoperative treatment of grade 1 UCL injuries in professional baseball players and between 66% and 94% for a grade 2 and above. Strength of Recommendation: There is level C evidence for high RTP rates following nonoperative treatment of partial UCL injuries in professional baseball players.

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RETURN-TO-PLAY OUTCOMES IN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYERS AFTER ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURIES: DYNAMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF FLEXOR DIGITORUM SUPERFICIALIS FUNCTION.

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery ◽

10.1016/j.jse.2020.09.022 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jun Sakata ◽

Tetsuya Miyazaki ◽

Masaki Akeda ◽

Tetsuya Yamazaki

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Return To Play ◽

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis ◽

Ligament Injuries ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Baseball Players ◽

Flexor Digitorum

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A Training Approach to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries of Baseball Players : A Literature Review

Journal of Sport and Dance Science ◽

10.54109/jsds.2021.1.2.7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 71-79

Author(s):

Dong-Hyun Lee ◽

◽

Bee-Oh Lim

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Ligament Injuries ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Baseball Players ◽

Training Approach

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Timing of Return to Batting Milestones Following Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball Players

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120s00371 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽

pp. 2325967120S0037

Author(s):

Brandon Erickson ◽

Peter Chalmers ◽

D John ◽

Kevin Ma ◽

Scott Sheridan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ligament Reconstruction ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Professional Baseball ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Common Procedure ◽

Baseball Players ◽

Before And After ◽

Batting Performance ◽

The Right ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

Objectives: Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is a common procedure in professional baseball position players. Timing of return to hitting following UCLR is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the time to return to batting milestones after UCLR as well as the effect of UCLR upon batting performance in professional baseball players. The authors’ hypothesized that position players would return to batting in an in-season game prior to fielding in an in-season game and hitting performance would remain unchanged following UCLR Methods: All professional position players who underwent UCLR between 2010-2018 were included. Time to batting milestones following UCLR was analyzed. Batting performance before and after UCLR was compared and analyzed. Results: Overall, 141 UCLRs (96% performed on the dominant arm) in 137 position players were included (86% minor leaguers). Four players underwent revision, all within one year of the primary UCLR. With regard to position, catchers and shortstops were over-represented. With regard to batting side, 57% batted from the right and 12% batted as switch-hitters, and thus 76% of surgeries were on the lead arm. While 91% of players were able to return to any throwing at all, there was a progressive gradual decline during the rehabilitation progress such that 77% were able to return to hitting in a real game and 75% were able to return to fielding in a real game. The first dry swing occurred at 150±49 days after surgery, first batting practice occurred at 195±58 days after surgery, and first hitting in a real game occurred at 323±92 days after surgery. However, players generally saw a decrease in their utilization, with fewer at bats (p<0.001) translating into fewer hits (p<0.001) and runs (p<0.001). Conclusion: Professional position players begin swinging at 150 days following UCLR while they do not hit batting practice until 195 days and do not hit in a real game until 323 days following UCLR. Players saw a decrease in hitting utilization following UCLR. [Figure: see text]

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