Biomechanical Evaluation of 2 Techniques for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Elbow

Abstract

Neither technique reproduced the biomechanical profile of the native ulnar collateral ligament; the findings of this study suggest that the docking construct may offer initial biomechanical advantage over the Jobe construct.

The impact of ulnar collateral ligament tear and reconstruction on contact pressures in the lateral compartment of the elbow

“…1,18,20,35,39,41 Of these, biomechanical testing has demonstrated that the docking technique provides the greatest resistance to valgus loading before mechanical failure. 29 Paletta et al 29 reported that the docking procedure (14.3 Nm) was nearly twice as strong as the Jobe technique (8.9 Nm) but was weaker than the native ligament (18.8 Nm). Both surgical reconstructions have multiple cadaveric biomechanical studies describing their efficacy in restoring valgus laxity but also clinical success, with a high rate of return to play.…”

“…Both surgical reconstructions have multiple cadaveric biomechanical studies describing their efficacy in restoring valgus laxity but also clinical success, with a high rate of return to play. 5,13,27,29,31,32,35,41 Because of the greater strength and ease of tensioning of the docking technique compared with the Jobe technique, this is the senior author's (D.L.) preferred method of UCL reconstruction in practice.…”

“…Next, the split native UCL ligament was reapproximated by y References 1,2,5,9,18,21,23,24,28,29,31,33,36,38 …”

Effects of flexor-pronator muscle loading on valgus stability of the elbow with an intact, stretched, and resected medial ulnar collateral ligament

“…This torque is lower than load to failure values of the MUCL which have been reported to be between 14 and 34 Nm. 1,15 After the MUCL was stretched, testing was then performed for each of the conditions as outlined above.…”

Elbow dislocations

“…20 Surgical repair of the MCL can reliably restore elbow stability 21 but not all biomechanical properties of the MCL in an experimental setting. 22 Tension of the repair does not seem to play an important role. 23 …”