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Ulnar Collateral Ligament services offered in Columbus, GA
Anyone can experience an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury. But they’re especially common in throwing athletes like quarterbacks, pitchers, and bowlers. At St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute in Columbus, Georgia, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Jake Dunn, DO, provides complete care for UCL injuries. He uses a conservative, minimally invasive approach to repair UCL damage and promote healing. Call the St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute office today to make an appointment, or book your visit online.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament Q & A
What is the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL)?
The ulnar collateral ligament is a tough band of tissue on the inside of your elbow joint. It keeps your elbow stable when throwing or doing overhead arm movements, like combing your hair.
Repetitive motions like throwing baseballs or lifting weights put stress on your UCL, causing it to weaken. The UCL sometimes tears or ruptures completely, causing pain, joint instability, and mobility problems.
What are the symptoms of an ulnar collateral ligament injury?
UCL injury symptoms include:
- Tenderness on the inside of the elbow
- Pain when you quickly move your arm
- Elbow weakness or instability
- Loss of the ability to throw fast or hard
- Severe pain
- Weak or clumsy grip
- Tingling and numbness in your fingers
If your UCL ruptures entirely, you might hear a popping noise when the injury occurs.
How is an ulnar collateral ligament injury diagnosed?
Dr. Dunn reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when your elbow pain started, what it feels like, and if it’s worse during some activities, like when you lift your arm above your head or try to throw something.
Dr. Dunn examines your elbow joint, looking for bruising, swelling, and redness. He gently presses on your elbow joint and the surrounding skin to pinpoint sensitive spots. He assesses your joint’s stability and range of motion.
Dr. Dunn then runs several tests, including:
Valgus stress test
During this test, Dr. Dunn places his fingers on your UCL and raises your lower arm 30 degrees. He gently presses your elbow toward your body while pulling your lower arm outward. If this causes looseness or pain in your elbow joint, you have a UCL injury.
MRI
This test provides images of your elbow joint and UCL. It can identify fractures in the elbow joint or surrounding bones and UCL damage.
How is an ulnar collateral ligament injury treated?
Dr. Dunn treats UCL injuries with a minimally invasive, integrative approach. He could suggest:
- Rest
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Ice
- Physical therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
If your elbow pain continues or gets worse, you might need surgery. Dr. Dunn provides open and minimally invasive procedures that repair or reconstruct the UCL.
Call the St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute office today to schedule ulnar collateral ligament injury treatment, or book your visit online.