Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury Specialist
Are you an athlete who participates in repetitive overhead movements? If so, you may be at risk of developing an ulnar collateral ligament injury (UCL). The UCL is commonly injured in throwing activities or after an elbow dislocation, typically from a fall on an outstretched arm. UCL injury specialist, Dr. Nikhil Verma provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Chicago who have developed a UCL injury. Contact Dr. Verma’s team today!
Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury (UCL Injury) Overview
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is a thick, triangular section of tissue that runs from the inner side of the humerus to the inner side of the ulna. The UCL is designed to withstand a large amount of stress as it stabilizes the elbow joint. Athletes and other active individuals may experience an ulnar collateral ligament tear from repetitive overhead movements. Dr. Nikhil Verma, elbow specialist serving the Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois area, is highly experienced at treating elbow pain associated with a UCL injury in a number of patients ranging from professional athletes to weekend warriors.
The UCL is commonly injured in throwing activities or after an elbow dislocation, typically from a fall on an outstretched arm. Once the ligament becomes stretched, frayed or torn from overuse, a patient experiences an elevated risk of a UCL injury. After months, possibly years, the microtrauma can lead to an ulnar collateral ligament tear ranging from a small stretch to a full tear.
There are three classifications for a UCL injury:
- First-degree sprain: Ligament is strained but not stretched, leading to elbow pain
- Second-degree sprain: Ligament is stretched, leading to increased elbow pain
- Third-degree sprain: Ligament is torn or ruptured, leading to loss of all elbow function
Symptoms of a UCL Injury
Elbow pain along the inside of the joint is the main symptom in many patients. Numbness, swelling, bruising and elbow instability are also quite common. A popping or tearing sensation may be experienced at the time of injury. Depending on the severity of the UCL injury, athletes may lose the ability to throw at full speed. In many atheletes, the pain develops gradually over time without a specific injury episode.
Diagnosis of a UCL Injury
Dr. Verma will perform a medical review and physical examination of the elbow to reach a diagnosis. He will perform specific tests to determine areas of tightness and looseness. A valgus stress test is a common test performed to test the elbow for stability. During this test, Dr. Verma will place pressure toward the inside of the elbow as the joint is moved in order to observe gapping of the joint and reproduction of medial elbow pain. A series of X-rays will typically be performed to look for bone spurs or other bone abnormalities. An MRI is performed in many cases to diagnose the extent of the ulnar collateral ligament tear.
Treatment of a UCL Injury
The treatment of a UCL injury depends on patient’s age, patient’s activity level and extent of the ulnar collateral ligament tear. Dr. Verma will explain all available treatments at the time of consultation.
Non-Surgical
A mild UCL injury is typically treated with non-surgical measures such as rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and a physical therapy recovery program. Dr. Verma may also recommend the athletic player’s mechanics be evaluated and corrected, if needed.
Surgical
If the UCL injury is too severe or doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatment, Dr. Verma may recommend surgery. Many cases of an ulnar collateral ligament tear are treated using an arthroscopic reconstruction procedure. Known as the “Tommy John” procedure, Dr. Verma will use a patient’s own forearm tissue to reconstruct the damaged ligament. In cases where a patient’s tissue cannot be used, a donor tissue (allograft) will be utilized.
For more resources on elbow pain, an ulnar collateral ligament tear or other UCL injury, please contact the orthopedic office of Dr. Nikhil Verma, elbow specialist serving the Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois communities.
