Paper 20: Similar Clinical Outcomes Between Double Cortical Button and Docking Techniques for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Baseball Players

Objectives: A double button technique using a cortical on both the humeral and ulnar sides of UCLR for fixation has recently been proposed, with advantages including greater control over graft tensioning decreased risk bone tunnel fracture. This was evaluated biomechanically found to be non-inferior traditional docking regarding strength, joint stiffness, strain. However, clinical outcomes have not compared between standard techniques such as technique. Therefore, purpose this study determine whether baseball players who underwent (double button) similar return sport (RTS) rates, time RTS, subjective (Docking) Methods: Competitive that primary from 2011-2020 at across two institutions were identified CPT code 24346. Patients excluded if they or did undergo Included patients contacted via RedCap complete follow-up survey evaluating reoperations, functional outcome scores, patient satisfaction. Functional surveys include Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score, Conway-Jobe Andrews-Timmerman (AT) elbow Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score. Results: Overall, 78 male (age: 18.9 ± 2.4 years) an average 3.1±2.4 years evaluated, 73 being pitchers 55 (71%) completing surveys. Players in group more frequently received palmaris longus autografts (78% vs. 30%) less gracilis (22% 58%) allografts (0% 13%) (p=0.001); however, all other demographic factors groups (Table 1). All post-operative patient-reported also groups. (100%) able RTS 11.1±2.6 months, while 96% 13.5±3.4 months (p>0.05). statistically groups, remained after isolating only separating partial-thickness full-thickness UCL tears (all p>0.05) (Tables 1-3). Two complications observed group, one player experiencing pain extension due nerve neurolysis another developing stress fracture during rehabilitation, no experienced complication. Conclusions: Post-operative These findings provide first support recent cadaveric which showed strain Larger comparative studies are necessary before clear recommendation can made utilization players. [Table: see text][Table: text]