Griffith, Timothy Bryan

Background: Several special tests for detecting medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) injuries of the elbow have been described, but data on the clinical utility of these tests are limited. Purpose: To determine the clinical utility of selected elbow special tests to detect MUCL injuries in an athletic population. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 84 consecutive patients with sports-related elbow pain underwent a standardized clinical examination. Overall, 6 special tests (moving valgus stress test, static valgus stress test, modified valgus stress test, milking maneuver, pronation flexion resistance test, and temple/cheek press test) were performed. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive/negative predictive value, and positive/negative likelihood ratio (LR+ and LR–, respectively) were calculated for individual tests and combinations of tests to detect MUCL injuries. Higher values for the LR+ and lower values for the LR– represent stronger clinical utility. Results: For detecting MUCL injuries, the moving valgus stress test resulted in the highest sensitivity (98%) and accuracy (93%) with the lowest LR– (2%). The milking maneuver had the highest LR+ (5.1) with the second highest sensitivity (77%) and accuracy (79%). The pronation flexion resistance test and the temple/cheek press test had the lowest LR+ (1.5 and 1.8, respectively) and highest LR– (94% and 95%, respectively) in addition to the lowest sensitivity (16% and 9%, respectively) and accuracy (33% and 30%, respectively). No combination of tests resulted in increased clinical utility. Conclusion: The moving valgus stress test and milking maneuver demonstrated acceptable clinical utility in which the moving valgus stress test was better for ruling out MUCL injuries and the milking maneuver was better at ruling in MUCL injuries. There was no added value when combining the 2 tests together or with other maneuvers.

Background: Recent reports suggest increasing trends in injuries, primarily among pitchers and upper extremity injuries, among Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) players. Accordingly, an updated comprehensive report on injury epidemiology in professional baseball is needed. Purpose: To (1) update the literature with a comprehensive epidemiological report of all injuries in MLB and MiLB; (2) provide a detailed breakdown of characteristics of the top 50 injuries; and (3) analyze long-term trends in injuries and days missed (DM) over time. Study Design: Case Series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The MLB Health and Injury Tracking System was used to identify injuries in MLB and MiLB players from 2011 to 2023. The inclusion criteria consisted of injuries occurring during spring training, regular season, or postseason activities that resulted in ≥1 DM from play. Basic and advanced player and injury characteristics were analyzed—including a list of the top 50 most common injuries. Results: From 2011 to 2023, a total of 83,215 musculoskeletal injuries occurred among MLB and MiLB players, resulting in 1,280,887 total DM, with a mean (median) DM per injury of 18 (11). The upper extremity accounted for 46% of injuries, and the lower extremity for 30%. The most common injury was hamstring strains (n = 6603; 7.9%); hamate fractures had the highest rate of surgery (81%); and elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament injury resulted in the highest DM (583,070 days). From 2011 to 2023, a significant increase was observed in the number of annual injuries (excluding 2020) ( P = .028) and injuries per game ( P = .003). However, 2018 and 2019 saw the highest number of injuries, and injuries did not rise after 2020. Conclusion: The annual number of injuries and rate of injuries per game increased significantly from 2011 to 2023; however, injuries did not increase over the final 3 years of the study (2021 to 2023). The percentage of overall injuries was dominated by upper extremity injuries among pitchers, although hamstring strains were the most common injury type overall.

Objectives: There is a paucity of research comparing the outcomes of medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) repair with internal bracing to isolated MUCL reconstruction in professional baseball players. Further, the practice of supplementing a MUCL reconstruction with an internal brace, a "hybrid" reconstruction, has increased in the surgical treatment of MUCL injuries for professional baseball players, without any currently known published research defining the clinical outcomes of this modification. We sought to investigate the trends and outcomes of MUCL repair with internal bracing and "hybrid" MUCL reconstruction with internal bracing. Using a matched cohort analysis, we also sought to compare the clinical outcomes of both MUCL repair with internal bracing and "hybrid" MUCL reconstruction with internal bracing to isolated MUCL reconstructions, without internal bracing, in professional baseball players. Methods: The MLB Health and Injury Tracking System was used to identify all professional baseball players who underwent MUCL surgery, regardless of surgery technique, from 2010 to 2023. Professional players of all levels (MLB and MiLB) and players of all positions were included. Player demographics, injury characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were obtained. Player demographics included age at surgery, position of play, professional level of play and surgical technique. Outcomes assessed were return to play (RTP) status, time to RTP, return to same level of play (RTSL), time to RTSL, revision MUCL surgery, and time to revision MUCL surgery, with a minimum of 2 years of follow up. Players were considered to have RTP if they participated in at least one game at any professional level. RTSL was defined as returning to the same league of professional play or higher. Patients undergoing MUCL repair and "hybrid" MUCL reconstruction with internal bracing were independently compared to propensity matched patients undergoing isolated MUCL reconstruction, without internal bracing, to assess for a difference in postoperative outcomes. Four subgroup analyses were conducted by further categorizing patients to MLB players, MiLB players, pitchers, and position players. Results: 76 patients underwent MUCL repair with internal bracing from 2016-2021 and were successfully propensity matched to 76 patients undergoing isolated MUCL reconstructions. Baseline patient demographic variables of MUCL repairs were statistically similar to those of controls except for age at time of surgery (24.5 vs 21.8; p<0.001). 81 patients underwent "hybrid" MUCL reconstructions with internal bracing from 2016-2021 and were successfully propensity matched to 81 patients undergoing isolated MUCL reconstructions. Baseline demographic variables of "hybrid" MUCL reconstructions were statistically similar to those of controls except for age at time of surgery (24.3 vs. 23.3; p=0.006). Compared to isolated MUCL reconstruction controls, all patients undergoing MUCL repair demonstrated significantly shorter time to RTP (mean 421.2 vs. 546.2 days; p<0.001), shorter time to RTSL (mean 436.2 vs. 558.8 days; p<0.001), and shorter time to revision (mean 465.2 vs.1648 days; p=0.036). The number of patients who RTP at any level, RTSL, and number of revision surgeries were not significantly different. Compared to isolated MUCL reconstruction controls, all patients undergoing "hybrid" MUCL reconstructions demonstrated no significant differences with respect to the number of patients who RTP, time to RTP, number of patients who RTSL, days to RTSL, number of revision surgeries, and time to revision surgery. In MLB players only, compared to isolated MUCL reconstruction controls, patients who underwent MUCL repairs demonstrated significantly shorter time to RTP (mean 282.8 vs 507.3 days; p=0.008) and shorter time to RTSL (mean 299.7 vs. 598.0 days; p = 0.024). No other outcomes were significant. In MLB players only, compared to isolated MUCL reconstruction controls, patients who underwent "hybrid" MUCL reconstructions demonstrated significantly shorter time to RTP (mean 436.2 vs. 525.3 days; p=0.026). No other outcomes were significant. In MiLB players only, compared to isolated MUCL reconstruction controls, patients who underwent MUCL repairs demonstrated significantly shorter time to RTP (mean 444.3 vs 550.7 days; p<0.001) and shorter time to RTSL (mean 451.7 vs. 556.5 days; p<0.001). No other outcomes were significant. In MiLB players only, compared to isolated MUCL reconstruction controls, patients who underwent "hybrid" MUCL reconstructions demonstrated no significant differences in outcomes. In evaluating pitchers only, compared to isolated MUCL reconstruction controls, patients undergoing MUCL repair demonstrated significantly shorter time to RTP (mean 421.7 vs. 578.6 days; p<0.001), shorter time to RTSL (mean 434.8 vs. 591.6 days; p <0.001), and shorter time to revision surgery (mean 465.2 vs.1648 days; p=0.036). No other outcomes were significant. In pitchers only, compared to isolated MUCL reconstruction controls, patients undergoing "hybrid" MUCL reconstructions demonstrated significantly shorter time to RTP (mean 488.1 vs. 549.0 days; p=0.013) and shorter time to RTSL (mean 505.7 days vs. 577.0 days, respectively; p=0.021). No other outcomes were significant. Notably, all revision surgeries in occurred in pitchers only. Conclusions: Based on a matched cohort anaylsis of professional baseball players undergoing MUCL surgery, when compared to an isolated MUCL reconstruction, MUCL repair with internal bracing may allow for a shorter time to RTP and RTSL, with a shorter time to revision surgery. For pitchers, "hybrid" MUCL reconstruction may allow for a shorter time to RTP and RTSL. For MLB players, "hybrid" MUCL reconstruction may allow for a shorter RTP.

Objectives: The number of medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) reconstructions are increasing. The epidemiology surrounding revision MUCL reconstructions in professional baseball players has not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to report the epidemiology of revision MUCL reconstruction in professional baseball players. The authors hypothesized that the number of revision MUCL reconstructions would increase over time and that the return to sport rate at the same level of play would be less than 70%. Methods: All professional baseball pitchers who underwent revision MUCL reconstruction between 2010-2023 were identified using the MLB Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS). Rate of return and time to return to play (RTP) and return to same level of play (RTSL) was recorded and analyzed for pitchers with a minimum follow up of 2 years. Surgical variables including technique and graft choice were also recorded. Results: Overall, 191 pitchers (avg age 26.0 years), underwent revision MUCL reconstruction. The average time between primary and revision surgery was 1,381 days (45 months). 130 (68%) of these players were MLB pitchers and the other 61 (32%) were MiLB pitchers. 59% of pitchers were able to RTSL at an average of 604 ± 250 days after surgery. 2023 was the year with most revision MUCL reconstructions (n = 27) and the fewest reconstructions were performed in 2010 and 2011 (n = 4). Monthly distribution demonstrates the highest surgery months to be May (17%), June (20%), and July (17%). Hamstring tendon autograft was found to be the most commonly used graft source (n = 90, 47%), compared to palmaris longus autograft (n = 67, 35%). No significant differences were found in the types of grafts used over time ( P = .238 for palmaris and P = .133 for hamstring). In terms of tunnel configuration, both the Modified Jobe and Docking techniques were used in equal occurrence (n = 70, 37%) Conclusions: Following revision MUCL reconstruction, only 72% of professional baseball pitchers were able to return to play at any level at an average of 556 days (18 months), and only 59% were able to return to the same level of play at an average of 604 days (20 months). The average time between primary and revision MUCL reconstruction was 45 months (3.75 years). Pitchers should be counseled on the relatively low RTSL rate and the prolonged time to RTSL.

Objectives: The medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) is the primary stabilizer of valgus forces across the elbow. Injury to the MUCL has a large impact on the throwing athlete, particularly in baseball. The incidence of MUCL injury in baseball pitchers is on the rise. Surgical treatment and rehabilitation is evolving to improve outcomes and improve return to sport time frames. The purpose of this study was to highlight the trends in MUCL repair and reconstruction in professional baseball pitchers, describe relevant outcomes such as return to any level of play (RTP) for surgical repair and reconstruction, and distinguish what factors might impact these outcomes. The authors hypothesize that primary and revision MUCL surgery is increasing with revision surgery requiring the greatest time to RTP. Methods: The Major League Baseball (MLB) Health and Injury Tracking System (MLB HITS) database was used to procure data during the targeted study period (2010 – 2023). All professional pitchers who underwent MUCL surgery within the study period were included. Variables analyzed included age, career length, and level of play. Surgical variables included date and type of procedure, RTP status, time required to RTP, return to same level of play (RTSL), career length before and after surgery, number of revision surgeries, and time between surgeries. Successful RTP was designated if a pitcher had returned in at least one professional game after index surgery. Analyses of trends over time were performed. The year 2020 was considered an outlier and omitted from the analysis of trends due to the coronavirus pandemic which limited games played. Results: A total of 2,287 pitchers underwent MUCL surgery during the study period (Table 1). The annual number of MUCL surgeries on all pitchers increased year over year (R 2 = 0.821, p < 0.001), as did the annual number of reconstructions with internal brace (IB) augmentation (R 2 = 0.896, p < 0.001) (Figure 1). The RTP rate (93%) for MLB pitchers was significantly higher compared to the RTSL rate (71%, P < 0.001). This difference was not observed in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) (RTP 76% vs. RTSL 74%, P = 0.142) (Figure 2). The percentage of players who RTP after revision surgery was significantly lower compared to primary surgery (71%vs. 80% respectively, P = 0.020). Mean time to RTP is significantly shorter (470 ± 135 days) compared to the mean time to RTSL (499 ± 153 days, P < 0.001) (Figure 3). The annual number of revision MUCL surgeries on all pitchers increased year over year as well (R 2 = 0.322, p = 0.043). Conclusions: MUCL surgery continues to increase, also leading to increasing numbers of revisions in professional pitchers. Overall, 80% of pitchers were able to RTP at a mean of 470 days (15.5 months), while only 71% were able to RTSL at a mean of 499 days (16.5 months), but this varied based on level of play. Surgical techniques continue to evolve as MUCL repairs and reconstructions with IB augmentation have increased significantly in recent years. This study will help guide athlete expectations and surgeon decision-making.

Background: Injuries of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) among baseball pitchers are increasing. Surgical treatment is evolving to optimize outcomes. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study’s purpose was to highlight trends in MUCL repair and reconstruction in professional pitchers, describe outcomes such as return to any level of play (RTP), and identify factors impacting these outcomes. It was hypothesized that primary and revision MUCL surgery is increasing, with revision surgery requiring greater RTP time. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The Major League Baseball (MLB) Health and Injury Tracking System database was used to procure data during the study period (2010-2023). All professional pitchers who underwent MUCL surgery during this period were included. RTP was defined as a pitcher returning to at least 1 professional game after index surgery. Return to the same level of play (RTSL) was defined as return to at least 1 game in the same league of play as before surgery. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the year 2020 was considered an outlier and omitted from time-trend analysis. Results: A total of 2281 pitchers who underwent MUCL surgery during the study period were included for analysis. The number of MUCL surgeries for pitchers increased yearly ( R 2 = 0.821; P < .001), as did the number of reconstructions with internal brace augmentation ( R 2 = 0.896; P < .001). The RTP rate for MLB pitchers was significantly higher than the RTSL rate (93% vs 71%; P < .001). This difference was not observed in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) pitchers (RTP 76% vs RTSL 74%; P = .142). RTP rates after revision surgery were lower than those after primary surgery (71% vs 80%; P = .020). The mean time to RTP was shorter (470 ± 135 days) than the mean time to RTSL (499 ± 153 days; P < .001). Conclusion: The incidence of MUCL surgery and revision surgery is increasing among professional pitchers. Overall, 79% of pitchers returned to any level of play at a mean of 470 days, while 74% returned to the same level of play at a mean of 499 days, but this varied based on level of play. This study will guide athlete expectations and surgeon decision-making.

Background: The number of medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) reconstructions is increasing. The epidemiology surrounding revision MUCL reconstructions in professional baseball players has not been well defined. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to report the epidemiology of revision MUCL reconstruction in professional baseball players. The authors hypothesized that the number of revision MUCL reconstructions has increased over time and that the rate of return to sport at the same level of play is <70%. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All professional baseball pitchers who underwent revision MUCL reconstruction between 2010 and 2023 were identified using the Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System. Rates of return to play, time to return to play, and return to same level of play were recorded and analyzed for pitchers with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Surgical variables, including technique and graft choice, were also recorded. Results: Overall 191 pitchers (mean age, 26.0 years) underwent revision MUCL reconstruction. The mean time between primary and revision surgery was 1381 days (45 months). Of these players, 130 (68%) were Minor League Baseball pitchers. Hamstring tendon autograft was the most commonly used graft source (n = 90; 47%) when compared with palmaris longus autograft (n = 67; 35%). In terms of tunnel configuration, the modified Jobe and docking techniques were used in equal occurrence (n = 70; 37%). After revision MUCL reconstruction, only 72% of professional baseball pitchers were able to return to play at any level at a mean 556 days (18 months), and only 58% were able to return to the same level of play at a mean 604 days (20 months). The mean time between primary and revision MUCL reconstruction was 45 months (3.75 years). Conclusion: Revision MUCL surgery continues to be a challenging problem, where the procedure is complex, rehabilitation timelines are prolonged, and outcomes are not always optimal. Accordingly, the authors recommend that these procedures be performed by surgeons with high levels of experience.

Background: Abdominal musculature injuries comprise the third most prevalent time-loss injury across professional baseball. Despite increased awareness and prevention attempts in the recent decade, the trends of these abdominal injury numbers in Major League Baseball (MLB) are not fully understood. Purposes: To update the trends in oblique and intercostal injuries, analyze the impact of these injuries based on time out of play, and identify factors that correlate with increased injury severity to help with recovery time prognostication for the sports medicine community. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Using the MLB Health and Injury Tracking System, the authors identified all abdominal and core musculature injuries that resulted in time out of play in MLB and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) between the 2011 and 2021 seasons. These were filtered for injuries that resulted in ≥1 days missed (DM) during spring training, the regular season, and postseason. A Student t test was utilized to assess for significant differences for all normally distributed values. Regression analysis was utilized for determining change over time. For all statistical comparisons, the threshold for alpha was set to P < .05. Results: During the study period between 2011 and 2021, there were 4560 total abdominal injuries among 3401 athletes. When filtered for in-season, time-loss injuries defined as spring training, regular season, and postseason, there were 2890 injuries. Of these, 1928 were oblique injuries, 453 were intercostal injuries, and 115 were rectus injuries. The number of oblique injuries each season increased for all of baseball ( P < .001), as well as for MLB ( P = .009) and MiLB ( P = .012) individually. Of the 1928 oblique injuries, 498 (26%) oblique injuries occurred at the MLB level and 1430 (74%) occurred at the MiLB level. Batting and pitching-related injuries comprised 860 (45%) and 729 (38%) oblique injuries, with a total of 18,455 DM and 20,891 DM, respectively. This corresponded to a mean of 22 DM for batting injuries and 29 DM for pitching injuries (mean difference, 7.2; 95% CI, 5.27-9.13; P < .001). Conclusion: This decade-long study on professional baseball revealed a significant increase in abdominal oblique injuries across MLB and MiLB, with the largest number of injuries observed in the 2021 season. Meanwhile, there was a significant decrease in intercostal injuries across professional baseball during these years. Such injuries continue to pose challenges, leading to substantial DM per injury and affecting players from various positions.

Background: There remains room for improvement in surgical outcomes after medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (MUCLR) in professional pitchers. The role and influence of postoperative rehabilitation on the outcomes of MUCLR are unknown. There is a paucity of clinical data in the current literature comparing the success of various postsurgical rehabilitation protocols after MUCLR. Purpose: To summarize the current rehabilitation process for professional pitchers recovering from MUCLR, evaluates what player and surgical factors correlate with outcomes, and determines whether rehabilitation timing and milestones correlate with successful outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: 717 professional baseball pitchers who underwent MUCLR between 2010 and 2016 were identified and included in the analysis. Player characteristics evaluated included age at the time of surgery, throwing side dominance, primary pitching role (starter vs reliever), and level of play (MLB, AAA, AA, A). Surgical factors studied included date of surgery, graft type (palmaris longus autograft vs gracilis autograft), and surgical technique (figure of 8 vs docking vs other). The rehabilitation and throwing progression details were as follows: initiation date; first throw date; dates to start throwing from various distances; longest distance thrown; first flat ground throw date; first mound throw date; and first live batting practice (BP) date. The primary outcomes of interest were the ability to return to play at any level (RTP), the ability to return to the same level (RSL), and the time to RTP/RSL. Results: On average, pitchers threw a baseball for the first time 4.9 months after surgery, with a broad range (2.8-14.9 months). For the 675 (94%) pitchers who were able to progress to mound throwing, the first throws off a mound occurred at a mean of 9.4 months after surgery. Before progressing to the mound, the mean longest long-toss distance reached was 137.5 feet, with a broad range (105-300 feet). A high variation in the time to RTP (7.6-53.9 months) and RSL (8.6-60.7 months) was noted. A total of 599 (84%) pitchers were able to RTP at a mean time of 14.9 ± 4.9 months after surgery (range, 7.6-53.9 months). Also, 528 (74%) pitchers were able to RSL after MUCLR at a mean of 17.4 ± 7 months (range, 8.6-60.7 months) postoperatively. Age was the most significant predictor of RTP (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03 [95% CI, 1.01-1.05]; P = .01) and RSL (HR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.93-0.99]; P < .01). For every 1-year increase in age, there was a 3% increase in the chance of RTP. Conversely, for every 1-year decrease in age, there was a 4% increase in the chance of RSL. MLB players were more likely to RTP (HR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.18-1.63]; P < .01) but not necessarily to RSL (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.75-1.08]; P = .24). The time from surgery to any of the rehabilitation milestones of interest (first throw, first flat ground pitching, first mound throwing, and first live BP) did not correlate with RTP or RSL (all, P >.05). The same was true for the greatest long-toss distance thrown before transitioning to the mound. Conclusion: Significant variability in the postoperative rehabilitation protocols after MUCLR was observed in 717 professional baseball pitchers. The timing of achievement of throwing progression and rehabilitation milestones postoperatively varied widely but did not correlate with outcomes. Player characteristics—except for player age and professional pitching level—did not correlate with RTP and RSL outcomes. Older pitchers and MLB pitchers were more likely to RTP, but younger players were more likely to RSL. Surgical factors did not correlate with rehabilitation outcomes.

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction of the elbow is commonly performed on professional baseball pitchers. Recent reports have suggested that revision rates are on the rise and may be higher than previously thought. Purpose: To provide a comprehensive report on current trends, surgical techniques, and outcomes of revision UCL reconstructions performed on professional baseball pitchers between 2010 and 2016. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) was used to compile records of all revision UCL reconstructions performed on professional baseball pitchers between 2010 and 2016. Player data and outcomes were obtained from HITS, and surgical details were obtained from operative reports. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on epidemiologic data. Outcomes (return to play [RTP] rates, RTP times, subsequent injuries, and subsequent surgeries) were compared across the most common surgical techniques (docking vs modified Jobe) and graft sources (palmaris longus autograft vs hamstring autograft). Results: A total of 69 professional baseball pitchers underwent revision UCL reconstruction from 2010 to 2016 at an average of 1424 days (47 months) after their primary surgery. A trend was seen toward increasing numbers of revision surgeries over time ( R 2 = 0.441; P = .104). The most commonly used tunnel configuration was the modified Jobe technique (n = 41; 59.4%), and the most commonly used graft was hamstring autograft (n = 34; 49.3%). A majority (76.6%) of pitchers achieved RTP, and 55.3% were able to return to the same level of play. Mean time to RTP was 436 days (14.5 months) for players with a palmaris longus autograft versus 540 days (18 months) for those with a hamstring autograft ( P = .108). Further, the mean time to RTP was 423 days (14 months) for the docking technique versus 519 days (17 months) for the modified Jobe technique ( P = .296). Similar rates of subsequent injuries and surgeries were noted between the 2 revision techniques and 2 most commonly used graft constructs. Conclusion: Revision UCL reconstruction showed relatively high RTP rates (77%), but only 55% of players returned to their same level of play. Mean time to RTP was shorter than that found in other, smaller investigations. Although general trends were seen toward decreased time to RTP for the docking technique and palmaris longus autograft, these differences did not reach statistical significance.