Clinical outcomes of the DANE TJ technique to treat ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency of the elbow.
BACKGROUND
Many improvements in ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction have been made since Jobe et al first described the procedure. A novel elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction technique that combines interference screw fixation on the ulna with docking of the graft on the humeral side (DANE TJ) has been reported.


OBJECTIVE
Outcomes of ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions performed with the DANE TJ technique are as good as other recently published results of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, particularly in cases of insufficient bone stock on the sublime tubercle and revision reconstructions.


METHODS
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.


METHODS
During a 3-year period, 22 athletes were treated with surgical reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament using proximal docking and distal interference screw fixation of the ligament (DANE TJ technique). All patients had a history, physical examination findings, and magnetic resonance imaging results consistent with ulnar collateral ligament injury. Patients were evaluated at a mean of 36 months postoperatively. Outcomes were classified using a modified Conway Scale.


RESULTS
At the most recent follow-up, 19 of 22 patients had excellent results. There were 2 fair results and 1 poor result. The poor result was in a revision case. The 2 other revision ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions had excellent outcomes. When used in 2 cases of sublime tubercle avulsions, the results were excellent. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients: 2 developed ulnar neuritis, and 2 required second surgeries for lysis of adhesions. Three of these 4 patients went on to have excellent outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinically, the initial results compare favorably with other published techniques of elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. These early data support the use of the DANE TJ technique for revision cases and cases of sublime tubercle insufficiency.
Dines
Joshua S
JS
Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, 6801 Park Terrace, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA. jdinesmd@gmail.com
ElAttrache
Neal S
NS
Conway
John E
JE
Smith
Wade
W
Ahmad
Christopher S
CS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D001484:Baseball / Q000293:injuries*; D001863:Bone Screws; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014457:Ulna / Q000601:surgery*; D000092464:Elbow Injuries