2021 AANA/ASES Specialty Session-No Contest: UCL Reconstruction Is the Gold Standard

No Contest: UCL Reconstruction Is the Gold Standard

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Michael Ciccotti discusses ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries in throwing athletes, comparing reconstruction and repair techniques. Traditional reconstruction methods—modified figure of eight and docking—show 63-95% excellent outcomes with no clear optimal technique, though docking may have fewer complications. Ciccotti's ongoing randomized study finds no significant differences between these methods. Recent interest focuses on UCL repair with internal brace augmentation, potentially allowing faster recovery, but long-term data and specific indications are still emerging. He concludes that reconstruction remains standard for most high-level athletes with degenerative UCL injury, while repair suits younger athletes with specific acute tears, emphasizing tailored treatment decisions.

Asset Caption

Michael G. Ciccotti, M.D.

Keywords

ulnar collateral ligament

UCL injuries

reconstruction techniques

repair with internal brace

throwing athletes