Clinical Outcomes of Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair of the Elbow Using a Cortical Button

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective case series was to report a new surgical technique for lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) repair using a cortical button and the clinical results. Twenty patients underwent a LUCL repair using a cortical button at a single institution were included for evaluation of the demographic, radiologic, and clinical examination data. Nine patients returned for a separate study visit for further clinical examination and outcome surveys. Eighteen patients (mean age: 48 y, 10 males) received at least 1 additional procedure other than a LUCL repair. For the 9 patients who returned for a study visit (average follow-up: 27 mo), the mean QuickDASH score was 22.4 and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score 90. Six patients reported no pain, 1 moderate, and 2 mild. All 9 patients were satisfied. Average flexion-extension and supination-pronation arc of motion was 91% and 89% of the contralateral elbow, respectively. LUCL repair using a cortical button resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes and can be a viable surgical option in acute elbow instability, especially in elderly patients with osteopenic bone.