Elbow ulnar collateral ligament injuries in athletes: Can we improve our outcomes?
Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) most commonly occurs in the overhead throwing athlete. Knowledge surrounding UCL injury pathomechanics continues to improve, leading to better preventative treatment strategies and rehabilitation programs. Conservative treatment strategies for partial injuries, improved operative techniques for reconstruction in complete tears, adjunctive treatments, as well as structured sport specific rehabilitation programs including resistive exercises for the entire upper extremity kinetic chain are all important factors in allowing for a return to throwing in competitive environments. In this review, we explore each of these factors and provide recommendations based on the available literature to improve outcomes in UCL injuries in athletes.
Lauren H Redler, Ryan M Degen, Lucas S McDonald, David W Altchek, Joshua S Dines, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, United States.
Lauren H
LH
Redler
Lauren H Redler, Ryan M Degen, Lucas S McDonald, David W Altchek, Joshua S Dines, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, United States.
Ryan M
RM
Degen
Lauren H Redler, Ryan M Degen, Lucas S McDonald, David W Altchek, Joshua S Dines, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, United States.
Lucas S
LS
McDonald
Lauren H Redler, Ryan M Degen, Lucas S McDonald, David W Altchek, Joshua S Dines, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, United States.
David W
DW
Altchek
Lauren H Redler, Ryan M Degen, Lucas S McDonald, David W Altchek, Joshua S Dines, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, United States.
Joshua S
JS
Dines
Elbow; Improved outcomes; Overhead athlete; Rehabilitation; Tommy John surgery; Ulnar collateral ligament; Valgus instability