UCL Tear Treatment Options

Nonoperative treatment for UCL injuries is usually recommended for partial tears where there’s no elbow instability. This approach is best suited for those with mild symptoms, patients who don’t engage in overhead sports, or individuals with health conditions that could complicate surgery. Nonoperative treatments aim to control pain, reduce inflammation, and restore strength and stability to the elbow joint.

Rest and Activity Modification

One of the first steps in nonoperative treatment is to rest the injured elbow and avoid activities that cause pain. This means taking a break from the sport or activity that caused the injury until the symptoms improve.

Physical Therapy

A structured physical therapy program can be instrumental in the nonoperative management of UCL tears. Physical therapists can provide exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles around the elbow, helping to stabilize the joint and prevent further injury.

Medications and Injections

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage the pain and inflammation associated with a UCL tear. Corticosteroid injections are rarely used for UCL tears as they might weaken the ligament further. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which utilize a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to promote healing, may be considered in some cases.

Bracing

Bracing or splinting the elbow can provide support and limit movements that could further damage the UCL. This can be particularly helpful during the acute phase of injury or during the healing phase after a surgical procedure.

If the UCL tear is complete or causing significant elbow instability, or if nonoperative treatments do not provide sufficient symptom relief, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Tommy John Surgery (UCL Reconstruction)

Named after the famous baseball pitcher who first underwent the procedure, this is the most common surgery for treating UCL tears. During the operation, your elbow surgeon Dr. Ben Mayo replaces the torn UCL with a tendon taken from elsewhere in the patient’s body (autograft), or from a donor (allograft). The graft is threaded through drill holes in the humerus and ulna in a figure-eight pattern to replicate the original ligament. This surgery is typically recommended for athletes who wish to return to high levels of overhead activity.

UCL Repair

In certain cases, particularly where the ligament has been pulled off the bone rather than torn in the middle, the UCL may be repaired rather than reconstructed. This procedure often involves using suture anchors to reattach the ligament to the bone. It may offer a quicker recovery compared to a full reconstruction, but it’s not suitable for all patients.

The recovery process following surgery for a UCL tear is typically extensive. Postoperative rehabilitation involves an initial phase of rest and protecting the elbow, followed by gradually reintroducing range of motion exercises and strengthening activities. Full recovery and return to sport can take anywhere from 9 to 12 months. The patient’s commitment to the rehabilitation program is a significant determinant of the surgery’s success.