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UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) Injuries

Overview

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is a ligament located on the inner side of your elbow, which supports the elbow joint. This tendon links the upper arm to the forearm which helps to stabilize and support your arm when performing any type of movement, such as throwing a ball or swinging a bat. Constant motion and repetitive strain and trauma can lead the UCL to become stretched or even tear over time.

ANATOMY

The elbow is commonly known as a hinge joint since it bends and straightens up similar a hinge. Within the elbow are several ligaments, which are soft tissues that bind to the bones of the arm together. The elbow is comprised of the following bones and ligaments:

  • Humerus – The bone of the upper arm
  • Ulna – The larger bone of the forearm located on the opposite side of the thumb
  • Radius – The smaller bone of the forearm located on the same side as the thumb
  • Lateral collateral ligament – The ligament located on the outside of the elbow
  • Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) – The ligament that is located on the side of the elbow that aligns with the body. Triangular is shape, the UCL is also known as medial collateral ligament. The UCL also has posterior bundle, an anterior bundle, and a transverse ligament.

The lateral collateral ligament and ulnar collateral ligament connect with the humerus and the ulna and allow for movement and fluid motion throughout the elbow.

DESCRIPTION

The ulnar collateral ligament injury can be most commonly seen in athletes, due to constant motion and repetitive strain and trauma to the elbow, which can cause stretching, microtears, and frays. The UCL can also be torn when there is a dislocation or injury to the joint. Falling onto an outstretched arm can lead the ligament to be ruptured or even pulled off the humerus bone, causing small chipping of the bone. This type of injury is called an avulsion fracture. This diagnosis is rare in most medical cases but is followed by elbow displacement or fracture.

UCL Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of an injured ulnar collateral ligament will depend on the severity of the case, but general indicators include:

  • Pain and tenderness along the elbow and arm
  • Soreness in the elbow joint
  • Swelling of the joint
  • Tingling or numbness throughout the inner elbow, fingers, and arm
  • A sense of instability of the elbow
  • The sense of laxity or looseness of the elbow
  • Decreased ability to toss throw or catch an object
  • Irritation of the “funny” bone
  • Popping, cracking and grinding of the elbow

DIAGNOSIS

Your Florida Orthopaedic Institute physician will evaluate your symptoms and determine the cause of pain. Your history and symptoms help diagnose an Ulnar Collateral Ligament injury. A physical examination from the shoulder to the elbow is taken, looking for areas of both tightness and looseness. A Valgus stress test can be given, which assesses the instability of the elbow. For this test, the physician applies force to the inside of the elbow as the joint flexes. X-rays are taken to examine for breaks and loose fragments. MRI scans with “contrast dye” are used to determine if a ligamentous rupture has occurred. Additionally, ultrasound or CT scans can further diagnose the injury.

TREATMENT (OVERVIEW)

Your physician will discuss all options for your treatment to determine which is the best for your needs. If surgery is required, an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, also known as a Tommy John surgery, will be done to repair a UCL injury. The reconstruction surgery will involve harvesting a tendon from the patient’s body or a donor, known as a graft.

Grafts are typically taken from one of the three following areas:

  • The big toe extensor tendon
  • The palmaris longus tendon from the forearm
  • The hamstring tendon

This tendon will then be attached in place to act as a new UCL, also known as the docking technique. 

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Florida Orthopaedic Institute physicians provide all non-surgical options to a patient before surgery is recommended. If the pain is not as severe, non-surgical treatment methods may be used to reduce the pain of the injured ulnar collateral ligament. These may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers may be used to reduce discomfort and inflammation
  • Physical therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Icing of joints

SURGICAL PROCEDURES/TREATMENTS

Depending on the severity of the injured ulnar collateral ligament and level of pain, your physician may recommend reconstruction surgery or examination with an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a tiny fiber-optic camera that allows the surgeon to look inside of the elbow to determine the condition of the ligament. During arthroscopy, your surgeon may be able to debride any frayed edges or tissue fragments by cleaning and eliminating any dead or damaged tissue along with the removal of any bone spurs and areas of calcium deposits. The goal of the arthroscope and reconstruction surgery is to stabilize the elbow, reduce and eliminate pain and to restore joint motion.

Following treatment, a series of motion and strengthening exercises are begun. As swelling and pain subside, joint mobility begins to return. Physical therapy and rehab are started. Athletes commonly begin gradual throwing programs to get back on track. Total sports participation can be expected within one to three months. Patients should follow their physician’s care instructions and if severe pain persists, follow up to determine if additional treatment is required.

NEXT STEPS

If you feel severe pain in your elbow joint, contact Florida Orthopaedic Institute for a consultation. Our physicians are specialty trained and specialize in the most up-to-date care, research and treatment of UCL injuries.

Shoulder & Elbow Specialty

Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s fellowship-trained Shoulder & Elbow Specialists talk about shoulder and elbow injuries and the advancing technology available to treat them, thanks, in part, to ongoing research by Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s own surgeons.

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Common Elbow Conditions

  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
  • Elbow Bursitis
  • Golfer’s Elbow (Medical Epicondylitis)
  • Growth Plate Injuries
  • Hyperextension Injury
  • Inflammation of the Biceps Tendon
  • Medial Apophysitis
  • Medical Ulner Collateral Ligament Injury
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans
  • Overuse Injuries
  • Radial Tunnel Syndrome (Entrapment of the Radial Nerve)
  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
  • Throwing Injuries
  • Triceps Tendonitis

Common Elbow Procedures

  • Arthroscopic Debridement of the Elbow
  • Aspiration of the Olecranon Bursa
  • Cubital Tunnel Release at the Elbow
  • Medial Epicondylectomy
  • Tommy John Surgery (Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction)
  • Radial Tunnel Release at the Elbow
  • Ulnar Nerve Transposition at the Elbow

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