The ulnar collateral ligament, known more commonly as the UCL, stabilizes our elbow as we perform overhead throwing movements. This ligament consists of flexible and strong bands that surround your elbow joint and keep it aligned and stable. The UCL is located on the inside of your elbow. When your UCL is partially or fully torn, it leads to pain, inflammation, and a limited ability to move your elbow and arm.
Did you know that a UCL injury is often called “baseball elbow”? That’s because baseball pitchers use their UCL ligament every time they throw a pitch; pro and semi-pro baseball players are the most likely to suffer UCL tears. In Major League Baseball, 25 percent of all injuries suffered by pitchers are elbow injuries. Whether or not you play ball, there are ways to help you avoid UCL tears.
How injury occurs
Injury can be slow or sudden. Repetitive movements can gradually stretch your UCL. Or, if you dislocate your elbow after a fall or other type of injury, you could suffer a complete tear to your UCL. UCL tears are graded according to the severity of the injury, and exactly what part of the three distinct sections of your ligament that was damaged. (from grade one to grade 3, 3 being a complete tear).
Pitching and UCL Tears in the news
Researchers have identified high-speed pitching as a specific risk factor for UCL injury. Recently Los Angeles Angels star pitcher, Shohei Ohtani was sidelined due to a UCL tear.
This recent injury has been described as a moderate (grade 2) partial tear (Grade 3 is a complete tear). There has been a lot of speculation about whether or not Ohtani will need surgery. Thus far, the superstar pitcher has opted for rest, physical therapy, and newer experimental therapy including PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and stem cell injections, in the hope that they will help speed his recovery without surgery.
How you can avoid UCL tears
While you’re probably not trying to throw a baseball 100 miles per hour a couple hundred times, you can still suffer a similar injury to your elbow. If you perform everyday movements that use (or overuse) your UCL, you can:
- Talk with your doctor about any symptoms of UCL strain. These may include pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Have your doctor discuss with you if there are alternatives to your usual overhead motions on an everyday basis.
If you are a pitcher, there are specific changes you can make to help prevent UCL tears:
- Warm up slowly. This includes stretching exercises and slow increase of your pitching speed and force.
- Take a break from pitching. If you are on a local or informal team, rotate to other positions.
- Focus on accuracy, and work with a coach to hone your technique.
- If your arm hurts – don’t pitch! Being smart can help you avoid injury, pain, and even surgery.
- Work with an athletic trainer or physical therapist to strengthen muscles that may be weak, or to work on your stance, and endurance.
Do I need surgery if I have a UCL tear?
A moderate UCL tear can sideline you from sports such as baseball. It can also interfere with other activities if they require substantial overhead movement. But, it should not interrupt your daily routine, including carrying items, doing weight training, or running.
Your orthopedist or sports medicine specialist will perform a test to determine what level of instability has occurred due to your UCL injury. Imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans can be helpful in making a diagnosis, too. Non-invasive, traditional treatment includes rest, stabilizing your elbow with splints or braces, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin, and icing the affected elbow. After any swelling has subsided, physical therapy can help strengthen the injured UCL.
If you have questions about the diagnosis and treatment of UCL injuries, the expert team at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder could be right for you. Since 1987, they’ve diagnosed and treated a host of shoulder, arm, wrist, and elbow conditions. Highly experienced and board certified, their surgeons will work hard to ensure you achieve optimal results. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (410) 296-6232.
