UCL Repair

The best candidates for UCL Repair are athletes who have suffered an acute tear of the UCL and are experiencing elbow instability, pain, or a decrease in performance. In particular, baseball pitchers and other athletes involved in throwing sports are common candidates. Certain tear patterns are better suited for repair than others.

The procedure begins with either general anesthesia or a nerve block to numb your arm. Then, your elbow surgeon Dr. Ben Mayo makes a small incision over the inner elbow. The torn ends of the UCL are sewn back together using sutures. In some cases, the ligament is reattached to the bone using suture anchors. The ligament is reinforced with a strong suture augment to protect the ligament as it heals. After surgery, your arm will be placed in a brace to protect the ligament as it heals.

Recovery time from UCL repair varies depending on the individual and the specific demands of their sport or work. Typically, athletes can start light throwing at about 3-4 months post-surgery. Full recovery and a return to competitive throwing usually takes around 6-9 months. Desk work and light activities can usually be resumed within a few weeks.

After surgery, you will wake up in a recovery room where medical staff will monitor you as the anesthesia wears off. You will likely have your arm in a brace and be given pain medication to manage discomfort. Once you are awake and stable, you will be discharged to go home that day.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery from UCL repair. The process includes:

• Initial Phase (Weeks 1-4): The focus is on pain and swelling management, as well as maintaining range of motion in the elbow, wrist, and shoulder.
• Intermediate Phase (Weeks 4-12): The brace is gradually removed, and the focus shifts to gentle strengthening exercises and gradually increasing the range of motion.
• Late Phase (Weeks 12 and beyond): This phase includes progressive strengthening exercises, and a gradual return to athletic activities.

Like all surgeries, UCL Repair has potential risks, though they are relatively rare:

• Infection: This is rare, but usually can be managed with antibiotics if it occurs.
• Nerve damage: Although rare, there can be temporary or permanent damage to the nerves in the arm.
• Failure of the repair: In some cases, the repaired ligament does not heal properly, which may require additional surgery.
• Stiffness or loss of motion: Some patients may experience stiffness or a loss of motion in the elbow.
• Reduced performance: Even with a well performed surgery and proper rehab, you may not be able to perform at the level you did prior to surgery.

If a UCL repair is recommended and you choose not to proceed, you may continue to experience pain and instability in your elbow, which could affect your performance in sports. Also, continual stress on a damaged UCL could lead to more severe damage and potentially more complex surgeries in the future.