A Sonographic Technique to Evaluate the Anterior Bundle of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow

Abstract

As shown by examining the interobserver variability and determining the correlation with cadaveric tissue, sonography proved to be a reliable tool for evaluating the normal aspects of the anterior bundle of the UCL.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predictors of Failure in the Nonoperative Management of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Professional Baseball Pitchers

“…Likewise, the proximal and distal injury designation could be applied to other modalities, including musculoskeletal ultrasound, which is gaining popularity in diagnosis. 2,19,26,33,34,38 Because of our study's retrospective nature and limited access to player information, physical examination parameters were limited to total arc motion deficit of the shoulder, internal rotation deficit of the shoulder, and loss of extension at the elbow. Additionally, measurements were obtained from preseason examinations and did not reflect changes that could have resulted from the UCL injury.…”

Revision Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Baseball Pitchers: Review of Epidemiology, Surgical Techniques, and Outcomes

“…Therefore, the appearance of the graft and overall utility of MRI will likely vary depending on the amount of time elapsed since the primary surgery. In recent years, there is growing support for ultrasound evaluation of UCL injuries, particularly in the setting of an equivocal MRI study as it allows for a dynamic assessment of instability [24,25]. Given the variability in surgical techniques, tunnel/socket tunnel configurations, and the amount of bone removed at the time of primary UCL reconstruction, a CT scan with or without three-dimensional reconstructions may be needed to further evaluate remaining bone stock and tunnel geometry ( Fig.…”

Authors’ response re: Shek KL & Dietz H. Letter to the Editor Re: ‘Do ultrasound findings of levator ani “Avulsion” correlate with anatomical findings: A multicenter cadaveric study’

“…We disagree with this statement. Cadavers produce morphological findings generally transferable to the living subject and there are hundreds of studies that have used cadavers as a medium for assessing imaging findings . Moreover, musculoskeletal studies have found that the size of a tear increases with time in cadaveric studies, supporting the argument that if an “avulsion” was the literal detachment of the PVM from its insertion, as a consequence of traumatic vaginal delivery, this should be observed in the cadaveric specimen.…”