APEX Elbow Mastering Surgical Techniques for Clinical Success-UCL Repair and Augmentation with Collagen-Coated Fiber Tape (Internal Brace) in Overhead Throwing Athletes

UCL Repair and Augmentation with Collagen-Coated Fiber Tape (Internal Brace) in Overhead Throwing Athletes

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Video Summary

Jeff Dugas presents on UCL repair with internal brace as an alternative to traditional reconstruction for certain elbow ligament injuries, especially in athletes with good tissue quality and partial or acute avulsion tears. Historically, UCL repair had poor return-to-play rates compared to reconstruction, but advances including fiber tape anchors ("internal brace") have improved outcomes. Biomechanical studies showed repair with internal brace provides similar or better initial stability than reconstruction, with less gap formation over time. The surgical technique involves anchoring tape and sutures at the sublime tubercle and medial epicondyle to reinforce the repaired ligament. Clinical results from over 130 cases showed 92-93% return to play within ~6-9 months, outperforming reconstruction in return time and comparable in success rates. Revision surgeries with repair showed better outcomes than revision reconstruction. Factors like age, tear extent, nerve transposition, or injury location do not significantly affect results. The procedure is gaining recognition in baseball, gymnastics, and other sports as a less invasive, effective alternative for select patients.

Asset Caption

Jeffrey R. Dugas, MD

Keywords

UCL repair

internal brace

elbow ligament injuries

return to play

fiber tape anchors