Date of Graduation

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences

Department

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Committee Chair

Michelle A Sandrey

Committee Co-Chair

Jordan Feathers

Committee Member

Jean McCrory

Abstract

Context: There is currently a lack of information on ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries for athletic trainers. Most of the literature addressed the surgical options in detail and depending on the study, information for rehabilitation may be limited or not even included. Further, there are a limited number of studies that compare the different surgical techniques to each other as well.;Objective: To provide a comparison of the Jobe technique to the Docking technique, in regard to surgery, success rates, and rehabilitation process.;Data Sources: PubMed (1960-2014), MEDLINE (1960-2014), CINAHL with full text (1960-2014), SPORTDiscus full text (1960-2014), Science Direct (1960-2014), and Google Scholar were searched using the terms ulnar collateral ligament, elbow, baseball, reconstruction and treatment. Second, the term ulnar collateral ligament was combined with each of the following terms: surgery, Jobe technique, Docking technique, and rehabilitation. Third, cross-referenced citations were used from studies that included information not found in searches.;Study Selection: Studies were included based on the following criteria: 1) written in English or an English translation; 2) ulnar collateral ligament, baseball athletes, throwing athletes, surgical techniques, elbow, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or various forms of these terms were mentioned in the title of the study; 3) ulnar collateral ligament, baseball athletes, throwing athletes, surgical techniques, elbow, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or various forms of these terms were mentioned in the abstract; 4) ulnar Collateral ligament reconstruction and rehabilitation was the main focus of the study; 5) the study was an experimental study or cohort study. Studies were excluded on the following criteria: 1) they are not written in or translated into English; 2) studies do not involve the Jobe or Docking technique as a surgical option; 3) injury did not pertain to the UCL of the elbow.;Data Extraction: All studies that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated using the Coleman Methodology Score (CMS). Each study included was read first by each evaluator without the Coleman Methodology Score. The studies included were read a second time using the Coleman Methodology Score. Final score was within a range of 0 to 100. Once all studies have were read and evaluated, the evaluators' met to compare scores. When discrepancies were found, the evaluators' discussed the criterion in question and agreed on a final score.;Data Synthesis: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated with the Coleman Methodology Score. The methodology scores ranged from 37-62, average score was 49.2 out of 100. Six studies scored fair and 6 studies scored poor on the CMS. Success between surgical techniques was inconclusive for all surgical techniques examined based on CMS scores.;Conclusion: The CMS scores ranged from fair to poor. It can be concluded that no recommendations can be made on what surgical technique is considered to be the best options for UCL reconstruction and that results may remain inconclusive.

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