Our Services / Ulnar Collateral Ligament

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?

The team 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.

The team 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.

How is an ulnar collateral ligament injury treated?

The team treats UCL injuries with a minimally invasive, integrative approach. They 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 and Dr. Wolff provide open and minimally invasive procedures that repair or reconstruct the UCL.

Call the Columbus Orthopaedic Associates office today to schedule ulnar collateral ligament injury treatment, or book your visit online.