Using Stress Ultrasonography to Understand the Risk of UCL Injury Among Professional Baseball Pitchers Based on Ligament Morphology and Dynamic Abnormalities

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury of the elbow is a common and debilitating problem seen frequently among elite baseball pitchers. Ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool in evaluating UCL injuries. Hypothesis: Evaluation with stress ultrasound of the elbow to measure the morphology of the UCL and the ulnohumeral joint space gapping is indicative of higher risk of UCL injury among professional baseball pitchers. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Ultrasound imaging was used to assess the medial joint laxity of the elbow of 70 asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers during spring training. Medial joint laxity and UCL morphology were assessed with OsiriX imaging software under 2 conditions—gravity valgus load and 5.5 lb of valgus load per a handheld dynamometer—with the shoulder in the maximal cocking position and the elbow in 90° of flexion. Two trials of resting position, elbow gapping, and UCL thickness were collected, measured, and averaged for data analysis. Intra- and interrater reliabilities were established and maintained, with intraclass correlation coefficients in the acceptable range for all measures (0.84-0.99). One-way analysis of variance was used to compare dominant variables between those pitchers who sustained a subsequent UCL injury and those who did not. A receiver operating curve was used to identify pitchers who, based on elbow gapping measures (by cut score), were at high risk versus low risk for UCL injury. Results: Players who went on to injure the UCL (n = 7) displayed a significantly wider opening under 5.5 lb of applied stress (6.5 ± 1.2 vs 5.3 ± 1.2 mm, P = .01) when compared with pitchers without UCL injury history (n = 63); they also presented a trend toward wider dominant arm resting joint opening (4.9 ± 1.2 vs 4.0 ± 1.1 mm, P = .07). Professional pitchers with valgus stress ulnohumeral joint gapping ≥5.6 mm (area underneath the curve, 0.77; P = .02) of the dominant arm were at a 6-times greater risk of sustaining a UCL tear requiring reconstruction within a season. Conclusion: Our data suggest that ultrasound evaluation of UCL morphology may be indicative of pitchers who are at risk of sustaining UCL injury and that it may improve player assessment.

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Medial Elbow Joint Laxity in Professional Baseball Pitchers

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465980260031301 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 420-424 ◽

Cited By ~ 121

Author(s):

Todd S. Ellenbecker ◽

Angelo J. Mattalino ◽

Erik A. Elam ◽

Roger A. Caplinger

Keyword(s):

Elbow Joint ◽

Joint Space Width ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Joint Space ◽

Professional Baseball ◽

Stress Radiography ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Valgus Stress ◽

Baseball Pitchers ◽

Space Width

Injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament frequently occur in throwing athletes because of large, repetitive valgus stresses to the elbow during the cocking and acceleration phases of throwing. Identification of injury to this ligament is important in evaluating the throwing elbow. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences in medial elbow laxity exist between the dominant and nondominant extremities in uninjured baseball pitchers. Forty uninjured professional baseball pitchers were tested bilaterally with a Telos GA-IIE stress radiography device. Joint space width between the trochlea of the humerus and the coronoid process of the ulna was measured on anteroposterior radiographs obtained with no stress applied and with a 15-daN valgus stress. Results showed significant differences between the medial joint space opening of the dominant and nondominant elbows with no stress applied. With stress, the dominant elbow opened 1.20 0.97 mm, while the nondominant elbow opened 0.88 0.55 mm. A significantly greater difference in medial joint space opening between the stressed and unstressed elbows was measured in the dominant elbow compared with the nondominant elbow (0.32 0.42 mm). This study identifies increased medial elbow laxity in the dominant arm in uninjured pitchers.

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Professional Pitchers Display Differences in UCL Morphology and Elbow Gapping During Moving Valgus Stress Testing After UCL Reconstruction

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/23259671211035734 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 232596712110357

Author(s):

Michael J. Kissenberth ◽

Charles A. Thigpen ◽

Lane Brooks Bailey ◽

Joel Campbell ◽

Derik J. Geist ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Model ◽

Stress Test ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Critical Evaluation ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Valgus Stress ◽

Good Reliability ◽

History Of ◽

Baseball Pitchers

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) of the elbow has received much attention given the rise in incidence among baseball pitchers. Stress ultrasonography has been demonstrated to be a critical evaluation tool of the UCL. No study has dynamically evaluated the ability of UCLR to restore normal kinematics. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare ulnohumeral gapping during a moving valgus stress test as well as UCL thickness between professional pitchers with and without UCLR. We hypothesized that the ulnohumeral joint will display greater gapping and the UCL graft will be thicker in pitchers after UCLR compared with uninjured pitchers. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Ultrasonography was used to measure the medial ulnohumeral joint distance and the UCL thickness of 70 asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers; 6 of the participants had a history of UCLR. Images were captured of the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) elbows at the maximal cocking position under 2 loaded conditions within the moving valgus stress test arc: (1) gravity stress and (2) 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) of valgus force using a dynamometer. Intra- and interrater reliability of the measurements was established with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Separate mixed-model analyses of variance (D side × UCL) were used to compare the D and ND elbow variables between pitchers with and without a history of UCLR. Results: All measurements displayed good reliability according to ICCs. Pitchers with a history of UCLR demonstrated less gapping (5.6 ± 2.9 vs 4.2 ± 1.2 mm; P = .002) and greater UCL graft thickness (0.17 ± 0.07 vs 0.11 ± 0.08 mm; P = .03) compared with the native ligament in pitchers without prior UCL injury. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that the UCLR results in a thicker, stiffer construct with less medial elbow gapping than the anatomical UCL. Using ultrasound to evaluate the UCL was a reliable, efficient, and clinically feasible method to assess UCL thickness and joint gapping in players with a history of UCLR. Future studies may consider this approach to evaluate surgical techniques and graft types for UCLR.

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Lumbopelvic Control and the Development of Upper Extremity Injury in Professional Baseball Pitchers

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546520988122 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652098812

Author(s):

Kevin Laudner ◽

Regan Wong ◽

Daniel Evans ◽

Keith Meister

Keyword(s):

Upper Extremity ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Group Differences ◽

Professional Baseball ◽

Extremity Injury ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Balance Task ◽

Upper Extremity Injury ◽

Baseball Pitchers ◽

Extremity Injuries

Background: The baseball-throwing motion requires a sequential order of motions and forces initiating in the lower limbs and transferring through the trunk and ultimately to the upper extremity. Any disruption in this sequence can increase the forces placed on subsequent segments. No research has examined if baseball pitchers with less lumbopelvic control are more likely to develop upper extremity injury than pitchers with more control. Purpose: To determine if baseball pitchers who sustain a chronic upper extremity injury have less lumbopelvic control before their injury compared with a group of pitchers who do not sustain an injury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 49 asymptomatic, professional baseball pitchers from a single Major League Baseball organization participated. Lumbopelvic control was measured using an iPod-based digital level secured to a Velcro belt around each player’s waist to measure anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) deviations (degrees) during single-leg balance with movement and static bridge maneuvers. During a competitive season, 22 of these pitchers developed upper extremity injuries, while the remaining 27 sustained no injuries. Separate 2-tailed t-tests were run to determine if there were significant differences in lumbopelvic control between groups ( P < .05). Results: There were no significant between-group differences for the stride leg (nondominant) during the bridge test in either the AP ( P = .79) or the ML ( P = .42) directions, or either direction during the drive leg bridge test ( P > .68). However, the injured group had significantly less lumbopelvic control than the noninjured group during stride leg balance in both the AP ( P = .03) and the ML ( P = .001) directions and for drive leg balance in both the AP ( P = .01) and the ML ( P = .04) directions. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that baseball pitchers with diminished lumbopelvic control, particularly during stride leg and drive leg single-leg balance with movement, had more upper extremity injuries than those with more control. Clinicians should consider evaluating lumbopelvic control in injury prevention protocols and provide appropriate exercises for restoring lumbopelvic control before returning athletes to competition after injury. Specific attention should be given to testing and exercises that mimic a single-limb balance task.

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Limiting the Pitch Count in Youth Baseball Pitchers Decreases Elbow Pain

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121989108 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 232596712198910

Author(s):

Tetsuya Matsuura ◽

Yuki Takata ◽

Toshiyuki Iwame ◽

Jyoji Iwase ◽

Kenji Yokoyama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Stress Test ◽

Daily Maximum ◽

Test Results ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Valgus Stress ◽

Radiographic Images ◽

Elbow Pain ◽

Youth Baseball ◽

Baseball Pitchers

Background: Reducing the number of pitches thrown is regarded as the most effective way to prevent throwing injuries in youth baseball pitchers. However, few studies have compared the effectiveness of limiting the pitch count versus the limiting the number of innings pitched in terms of elbow injuries. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that, compared with inning limits, pitch count limits would lead to greater decreases in elbow pain, range of motion deficits, positive moving valgus stress test results, and the risk of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed baseball pitchers aged 8 to 12 years in 2017 and 2018. Inning and pitch count limits in games were set to a daily maximum of 7 innings in 2017 and 70 pitches in 2018. Elbow pain, range of motion, and moving valgus stress test results were evaluated. The presence of capitellar OCD was assessed on ultrasonographic and radiographic images. Results: A total of 352 pitchers in 2017 and 367 pitchers in 2018 participated. The mean pitch count per game was lower in the pitch count limit (CL) group (52.5 ± 16.0) than in the inning limit (IL) group (98.2 ± 19.5) ( P < .001). Compared with the IL group, the CL group had significantly lower rates of elbow pain (40.9% vs 31.9%, respectively; P = .01) and reduced flexion (19.0% vs 10.6%, respectively; P = .001). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between elbow pain and age in both the IL and the CL groups ( P < .0001 and P = .02, respectively) and between OCD and elbow pain in the CL group ( P = .04). Conclusion: A pitch count limit of ≤70 pitches per day for baseball pitchers ≤12 years could be more protective against elbow pain and reduced flexion than a limit of ≤7 innings per day, but it may not be effective for reducing the risk of capitellar OCD.

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Effect of Younger Starting Pitching Age on Humeral Retrotorsion in Baseball Pitchers With an Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546521990808 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652199080

Author(s):

Sean M. Kennedy ◽

Joseph P. Hannon ◽

John E. Conway ◽

Kalyssa Creed ◽

J. Craig Garrison

Keyword(s):

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Ligament Injury ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Baseball Players ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury ◽

Baseball Pitchers ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Background: Increased humeral retrotorsion (HRT) has been found to be a risk factor for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in baseball players. Recent work has demonstrated the age of 11 years as a potential watershed age for HRT development. Hypothesis: In a group of baseball pitchers with UCL injuries, athletes who started pitching before the age of 10 years will demonstrate significantly more dominant limb humeral retrotorsion (DHRT) when compared with a group of baseball pitchers who reported starting pitching at 10 years or older. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 84 baseball pitchers with a diagnosed UCL injury were divided into 2 groups based upon the age at which participants began pitching: 33 players reporting a starting pitching age of 10 years or older (group 1) were compared with 51 baseball pitchers reporting a starting pitching age under 10 years (group 2). Participants’ DHRT and nondominant limb humeral retrotorsion (NDHRT) were measured using diagnostic ultrasound. Independent t tests were run to compare mean group differences of all patient data, starting pitching age, age at time of injury, DHRT, NDHRT, and humeral retrotorsion difference (HRTdiff). Results: There were no significant differences between groups with regard to age at time of injury, height, weight, or playing years’ experience. There was a statistically significant difference in the participant-reported starting pitching age. Significant differences between groups were noted for DHRT (group 1: 20.0°± 9.4°, group 2: 14.5°± 10.3°, P = .015) and for NDHRT (group 1: 38.6°± 8.8°, group 2: 32.9°± 9.5°, P = .007). No significant differences between groups were found for HRTdiff ( P = .940). Conclusion: Baseball pitchers with a UCL injury who reported a starting pitching age younger than 10 years demonstrated significantly greater DHRT and NDHRT when compared with UCL-injured baseball pitchers who reported a starting pitching age at 10 years or later. The results of this study demonstrate that a younger starting pitching age results in increased HRT in players with UCL injuries.

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Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Medial Epicondyle Fractures After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery ◽

10.1016/j.jse.2020.01.038 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. e153

Author(s):

Brandon J. Erickson ◽

Peter N. Chalmers ◽

John D’Angelo ◽

Kevin Ma ◽

Anthony A. Romeo

Keyword(s):

Internal Fixation ◽

Open Reduction ◽

Ligament Reconstruction ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Open Reduction Internal Fixation ◽

Medial Epicondyle ◽

Professional Baseball ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Baseball Pitchers ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

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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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Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Medial Epicondyle Fractures After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967119s00369 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (7_suppl5) ◽

pp. 2325967119S0036

Author(s):

Brandon J. Erickson ◽

Peter Nissen Chalmers ◽

John D’Angelo ◽

Kevin Ma ◽

Anthony A. Romeo

Keyword(s):

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

Open Reduction Internal Fixation ◽

Medial Epicondyle ◽

Professional Baseball ◽

Performance Outcome ◽

Performance Variables ◽

History Of ◽

Operative Performance ◽

Baseball Pitchers ◽

And Performance

Objectives: Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is a common procedure among professional baseball pitchers. Currently, 25% of starting Major league baseball (MLB) pitchers have undergone UCLR. Fracture of the medial epicondyle at the level of the humeral tunnel requiring open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is an uncommon complication following UCLR. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of return to sport (RTS) and performance upon RTS in professional baseball pitchers following ORIF of the medial epicondyle, and see if there is a difference in RTS rate and performance between players who underwent ORIF and matched controls. The authors hypothesized that there is a high rate of RTS in professional baseball pitchers following medial epicondyle ORIF with no significant difference in rate of RTS or performance, specifically related to the primary outcome performance variables of win-loss percentage (W-L%), WHIP ((walks +hits)/innings pitched), fielding independent pitching (FIP), and wins above replacement (WAR)) between cases and controls. Methods: All professional baseball pitchers who underwent medial epicondyle ORIF 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 matched controls (no history of UCLR or ORIF). Results: Overall, 15 pitchers (80% starters, 73.3% right-handed) underwent ORIF of a medial epicondyle fracture. All underwent a prior UCLR using either the American Sports Medicine Institute (n=9, 60%) or docking (n=6, 40%) technique. ORIF techniques included fixation with one screw (n=13, 86.7%) and fixation with suture anchors (n=2, 13.3%). Eleven (73.3%) pitchers were able to RTS (which did not differ from controls p=0.537). No significant differences existed in the primary performance outcome variables when comparing pre-operative to post-operative performance. No significant differences in the primary performance outcome measures were seen between cases and controls following surgery although cases pitched fewer innings than controls following surgery (p=0.003) Conclusion: Following medial epicondyle ORIF of professional pitchers with a history of UCLR, 73.3% were able to RTS without a significant decline in most performance variables when compared to their pre-operative performance levels, or when compared to matched controls. Number of innings pitched declined following surgery.

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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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