2023 Annual Meeting Wrist & Elbow Access Pass-Surgical Spotlight

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Gregory Svantevich from Ohio State discusses UCL Repair as an alternative to the traditional UCL reconstruction, especially for younger patients with acute, proximal or distal partial tears and good ligament quality. While reconstruction remains the gold standard with 80-90% success, new repair techniques with suture augmentation ("internal brace") provide promising outcomes with faster recovery (6-7 months) and over 90% return to sport in select cases. Repair is preferable in non-chronic injuries without ligament attrition, often benefiting non-pitchers and those needing quicker return. Key surgical points include anatomic anchor placement, protecting the ulnar nerve, and careful tensioning to preserve elbow motion.

Asset Caption

Gregory Cvetanovich, M.D.

Keywords

UCL Repair

UCL Reconstruction

Suture Augmentation

Internal Brace

Elbow Ligament Surgery