Clinical Follow-up of Professional Baseball Players Undergoing Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Using the New Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Overhead Athlete Shoulder and Elbow Score (KJOC Score)
Authors: Domb BG, Davis JT, Alberta FG, Mohr KJ, Brooks AG, Elattrache NS, Yocum LM, Jobe FW
Purpose
To validate the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score as a sensitive and specific outcome measure for professional baseball players following ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction.
Methods
Fifty-five professional baseball players completed the KJOC, DASH, and DASH sports modules. Players were stratified by playing status and compared with 123 healthy throwers. Statistical analysis assessed correlations and discriminant validity.
Key Findings
- KJOC score correlated strongly with DASH but showed superior sensitivity to subtle deficits.
- The score differentiated players competing with pain, without pain, or those not playing.
- A threshold score of 81.3 predicted return to play without pain.
Conclusion
The KJOC score is a validated, athlete-specific instrument providing enhanced sensitivity over general upper-extremity outcome measures in evaluating throwing athletes post-UCL reconstruction.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Use the KJOC score to more accurately assess subtle impairments and readiness to return to play in overhead athletes post-UCL reconstruction, enabling better-informed clinical decisions and individualized rehabilitation planning.