Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Throwing Athletes: Diagnosis and Management.

Abstract

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the elbow are common in overhead throwing athletes. With throwing, the elbow experiences substantial valgus stress and repetitive microtrauma can lead to injury. Increasing rates of injury among both youth and professional throwers has resulted in a "UCL epidemic." Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction ("Tommy John Surgery") became a part of the public consciousness after Tommy John returned to professional baseball after a UCL reconstruction with Dr Frank Jobe for what was once considered a career-ending injury. Partial tears and some athletes with complete UCL injuries can be managed without surgery. Since the introduction of UCL reconstruction, technical modifications have aimed to decrease complications and increase return-to-play rates. Ulnar collateral ligament repair has reemerged as a potential surgical option for some throwers. Future prospective and comparative studies are necessary to better define the optimal operative treatment for these injuries.