What is UCL Injury?
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), also called the medial collateral ligament, is located on the inside of the elbow and connects the ulna bone to the humerus bone. It is one of the main stabilizing ligaments in the elbow especially with overhead activities such as throwing and pitching. When this ligament is injured or torn, it can end a professional athlete’s career unless surgery is performed.
Symptoms of UCL Injury
The common symptoms associated with a UCL tear are as follows:
- Pain on the inner side of the elbow
- Unstable elbow joint
- Numbness in the little finger or ring finger
- Decreased performance in activities such as throwing baseballs or other objects
Causes of UCL Injury
Ulnar collateral ligament tear is usually caused by repetitive overhead throwing such as in baseball. The stress of repeated throwing on the elbow causes microscopic tissue tears and inflammation. With continued repetition, eventually, the UCL can tear preventing the athlete from throwing with significant speed. If untreated, it can end an athlete’s professional career. UCL tear may also be caused by direct trauma such as with a fall, car accident, or work injury. Other causes include any activity that requires repetitive overhead motion of the arm such as tennis, pitching sports, fencing, and painting.
Diagnosis of UCL Injury
UCL tear should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your physician will perform the following:
- Medical history
- Physical examination including a valgus stress test to assess for elbow instability
Other tests such as X-rays and MRI scans may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of UCL Injury
Your physician will recommend conservative treatment options to treat the symptoms associated with UCL injury unless you are a professional or collegiate athlete. In these cases, if the patient wants to continue in the sport, surgical reconstruction is performed.
Conservative treatment options that are commonly recommended for non-athletes include the following:
- Activity restrictions
- Orthotics
- Ice compression
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Shockwave therapy to increase blood flow, decrease pain to the injured ligament and promote healing
- Cell therapy like Platelet rich plasma, Cell based therapies with Mesenchymal stem cells like Microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) or Bone marrow concentrate (BMAC)
Surgical Procedure
If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition an ulnar collateral ligament surgery referred to as Tommy John Surgery may be indicated.
