CC2022: Return to Competition Criteria Following Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (March 2022)-CC2022: Return to Competition Criteria Following Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (March 2022)

CC2022: Return to Competition Criteria Following Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (March 2022)

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This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the existing literature on return-to-competition criteria after ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction for overhead throwing athletes. The review included 15 studies with a total of 1156 patients. The most commonly identified return-to-competition criteria were completion of a return-to-throwing program, completion of a return-to-mound program (for pitchers), and a minimum time from surgery. The return-to-throwing program was identified in 87% of the studies, starting an average of 16.7 weeks after surgery. The return-to-mound program was utilized in 53% of the studies, starting an average of 7.4 months postoperatively. Minimum time from surgery was used in 73% of the studies, with players waiting 7 to 12 months before return-to-competition consideration. The overall rate of return to competition at the preinjury level or higher was 85.7%, with an average time of 12.2 months. The review found a lack of validated and universally accepted guidelines for determining when athletes can safely return to play after UCL reconstruction. There was also limited literature on the return-to-competition process and a lack of agreed-upon criteria related to pain, range of motion, strength, and other factors. The authors emphasized the need for increased transparency regarding rehabilitation protocols and further research to identify and validate sport-specific return-to-competition criteria.

Keywords

systematic review

meta-analysis

return-to-competition criteria

ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction

overhead throwing athletes

return-to-throwing program

return-to-mound program

minimum time from surgery

rate of return to competition

rehabilitation protocols