Suture Augmented Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Detailed Technique.

Suture augmentation is frequently being used for medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair and many surgeons now augment UCL reconstructions with a high strength suture. This article and video describe the technique of suture augmented UCL reconstruction. The technique uses an autograft from palmaris or hamstring that is supported by a suture across the reconstruction. The graft is further modified using multiple points of suture augmentation to strengthen the reconstruction including a 1.6 mm FiberTak at the humerus to bolster the proximal aspect of the reconstruction. The graft is also incorporated into a side to side repair of the native ligament. The graft and suture are both tensioned over the medial epicondyle using a modified docking technique. Suture augmented reconstruction of the UCL is growing in popularity, yet the current literature is lacking in studies investigating clinical outcomes.