2015 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster #507

Outcomes for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Retrospective Review Using the KJOC Assessment Score with Two Year Follow-Up in an Overhead Throwing Population

Daniel O'Brien, BA, Philadelphia, PA UNITED STATES
Thomas O'Hagan, Chicago, IL UNITED STATES
Robert Stewart, MD, Chicago, IL UNITED STATES
Alfred Atanda, MD, Wilmington, DE UNITED STATES
Sommer Hammoud, MD, Philadelphia, PA UNITED STATES
Steven B. Cohen, MD, Media, PA UNITED STATES
Michael G. Ciccotti, MD, Philadelphia, PA UNITED STATES

The Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

FDA Status Not Applicable

Summary: The KJOC Score can be used to assess postoperative outcome after UCL reconstruction in overhead throwing athletes.

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Abstract:

Background

Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) often results in valgus elbow instability requiring reconstruction. Favorable outcomes and successful return to sport after reconstruction have been reported. Until recently, however, no standardized and validated outcome measure has been used to compare outcome between surgical techniques and institutions in an overhead throwing athletic population.

Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to use the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder & Elbow Score (KJOC Score) validated assessment tool to report functional outcomes and return to play status in overhead throwing athletes undergoing UCL reconstruction. We predict that KJOC Score will provide a consistent assessment of postoperative outcome.

Methods

A retrospective review of 33 patients undergoing UCL reconstruction was carried out over a 5-year period between 2004 -2009. Minimum follow-up was 2.2 years with an average of 3.7 years. All surgeries were performed by fellowship trained surgeons using either the Docking (N=12) or Modified Jobe techniques (N=22). Parameters including age, sport, position, return to play status, and time to return were obtained. The KJOC Score was administered to assess final functional outcome.

Results

A total of 33 athletes underwent UCL reconstruction, which included 30 baseball players, and 3 javelin throwers. In all, 28 (85%) athletes were able to return to their sport at the same previous level at an average of 12.25 months. The overall average KJOC Score was 76. Athletes who returned to their previous level of play had a mean KJOC Score of 77 while those who were unable to return to play had a mean score of 68.

Conclusions

The evolution and advancement in technique of UCL reconstruction has allowed both recreational and high level overhead throwing athletes to return to sport with increasing success. Our study demonstrates consistent outcomes for UCL reconstruction using the KJOC shoulder and elbow score as compared to previously reported data.

Clinical Relevance: The KJOC Score can be used to assess postoperative outcome after UCL reconstruction in overhead throwing athletes.