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.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
November 15,
2021
Received:
April 1,
2021
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No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
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