The medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL)

During normal activities of daily living, the UCL contributes very little to the elbow’s function. However, when placed under the stress of the throwing motion, the UCL allows amazing acts of human performance, like throwing a 104 MPH fastball.

As throwing sports demand higher and higher velocities from pitchers, the rate of UCL injuries continues to climb. Interestingly, UCL tears can occur in both amateur and professional athletes, adolescents, and veteran pitchers.

Treating your elbow pain

In high-level baseball pitchers, Tommy John reconstruction became the gold standard of care for many years because most athletes were able to return to play approximately 12 months postsurgery. However, recent innovations have added improved treatment options to the surgeon’s toolkit.

What’s best for you

Younger athletes with an acute injury and good ligament tissue are better candidates for repair with internal brace, while more seasoned throwers with attritional (wearing down, or weakening) tears and poor ligament quality, should undergo reconstruction with a graft. For a successful outcome, patients should consult with a skilled orthopaedic practitioner who has experience in dealing with throwing athletes.