Ulnar collateral ligament injuries are very common in baseball pitchers and some other over head athletes such as javelin throwers. When athletes tear their UCL, surgical reconstruction of the injured ligament is often needed to restore stability of the medial elbow. There are several approaches to surgical methods including fixation method. Also, post-surgical rehabilitation protocol may vary depending on the surgeon. We will discuss general rehabilitation process for UCLR, however, please note that protocols may vary depending on who the surgeon is.
Immediate Post-Op (Week 1-2)
The goals of this phase are to protect reconstructed graft and graft site, to decrease inflammation, and to retard muscle atrophy. The athlete's elbow will be put in a splint right after surgery for about a week. Then, he/she will be fitted to an elbow brace with range of motion (ROM) usually limited from 30 degrees of extension to 100 degrees of flexion. The athlete may start doing wrist flexion/extension active range of motion (AROM) exercises and grip exercise.
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| Schematic view of reconstructed graft using end button |
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