Clinical outcomes of the DANE TJ technique to treat ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency of the elbow

Abstract

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.

Hypothesis: 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.

Study design: 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.

Conclusion: 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.