COMPARATIVE STUDY
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Comparison of the biomechanical profile of the intact ulnar collateral ligament with the modified Jobe and the Docking reconstructed elbow: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The modified Jobe and Docking techniques are commonly used to reconstruct the elbow's ulnar collateral ligament.

HYPOTHESIS: Valgus laxity and kinematic coupling after these reconstructive procedures are similar to those of the native ulnar collateral ligament.

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS: Testing was conducted on 10 pairs of cadaver elbows using a 4 degrees of freedom loading system. Subfailure valgus loads were applied to the native elbows at different flexion angles; motion and ligament elongation were measured. The elbows were then loaded to failure in valgus at 90 degrees of flexion. The reconstructive techniques were then applied and testing was repeated.

RESULTS: Only the resting length of the anterior portion of the ulnar collateral ligament anterior bundle remained isometric throughout range of motion. Valgus laxity was nearly equal for the native and reconstructed ligaments at flexion angles of 90 degrees or higher. However, both reconstructions provided less valgus stability than the native ulnar collateral ligament at low flexion angles. Kinematic coupling decreased with increased flexion for both native and reconstructed ligaments.

CONCLUSION: The modified Jobe and Docking techniques reconstruct restraint of the native ulnar collateral ligament to valgus laxity and kinematic coupling at 90 degrees of flexion and higher angles where peak valgus torque is experienced in the throwing elbow.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both reconstructions provide valgus stability comparable to that of the native ulnar collateral ligament at 90 degrees and higher, helping to explain their success in treating throwing athletes. Both reconstructions provide less valgus stability than the native ulnar collateral ligament at low flexion angles, suggesting that patients undergoing ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction should be cautioned against activities that provide valgus stress at low elbow flexion angles, such as side-arm throwing. This study suggests caution against overtightening the reconstructions at the common 30 degrees of flexion.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app