UCL Tear

The Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) connects the inside of your upper arm to the inside of your forearm to help provide stability. A UCL injury is an inner elbow injury most often caused by overuse and is known for affecting baseball pitchers. In fact, it is sometimes known as Tommy John surgery, after the pitcher who first had the procedure in 1974.

Stress on your UCL from repetitive overhead movement or a fall on your outstretched arm can inflame, stretch, partially or completely tear your UCL. The most common symptom of a UCL injury is pain on the inner side of the elbow. You may feel a sudden pop, followed by pain along the inside of your elbow.

While minor tears may heal on their own with rest, when the UCL is completely torn, the ligament must be reconstructed using a graft of a tendon from elsewhere in your body. This will provide greater stability, less pain, and restore your range of motion. Recovery time from this procedure takes nine months to a year which includes bracing, physical therapy, and icing.