Operative treatment of ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency of the elbow in female athletes.
BACKGROUND
As women become more involved in athletic activity, injuries specific to this population also increase. No data exist regarding operative treatment of female patients with elbow instability secondary to ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency.


OBJECTIVE
Women with symptomatically unstable elbows who failed nonoperative treatment will improve after surgical intervention.


METHODS
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.


METHODS
Nineteen women were retrospectively evaluated using the Andrews and Carson Elbow Outcome Score. Patients were included if they underwent repair or reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament for symptomatic instability that precluded them from participation in their desired sport or activities, despite nonoperative treatment.


RESULTS
The mean age was 22.0 years (range, 15.1-37.2 years). The mean follow-up was 38.8 months (range, 12.4-68.6 months). Of the 19 patients, 14 were softball players, gymnasts, and tennis players. Only 1 was a pitcher. Eighteen women underwent repair by one of the following procedures: plication (n = 6), repair to bone using anchors (n = 11), or drill holes (n = 1). One patient underwent a palmaris graft reconstruction. The mean overall preoperative outcome score of 120 improved to 191 postoperatively (P < .0001). Seventeen of 18 athletes were able to return to their sport at a mean of 2.5 months postoperatively. One patient did not participate in athletics.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated excellent overall results in 16 and good results in 3 female patients after medial elbow repair or reconstruction. Women appear to be able to consistently return to a high level of function after repair or reconstruction for medial elbow instability.
Argo
David
D
Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Jackson, MS 39202, USA.
Trenhaile
Scott W
SW
Savoie
Felix H
FH
Field
Larry D
LD
D000328:Adult; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery; D008485:Medical Audit; D008922:Mississippi; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013177:Sports; D014457:Ulna / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*