Open AccessElbow ulnar collateral ligament injuries in athletes: Can we improve our outcomes
Author(s) -
Lauren H. Redler,
Ryan M. Degen,
Lucas S. McDonald,
David W. Altchek,
Joshua S. Dines
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
world journal of orthopedics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 43
ISSN - 2218-5836
DOI - 10.5312/wjo.v7.i4.229
Subject(s) - medicine , throwing , elbow , rehabilitation , ligament , athletes , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , tears , collateral , return to sport , surgery , mechanical engineering , finance , engineering , economics
Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) most commonly occurs in the overhead throwing athlete. Knowledge surrounding UCL injury pathomechanics continues to improve, leading to better preventative treatment strategies and rehabilitation programs. Conservative treatment strategies for partial injuries, improved operative techniques for reconstruction in complete tears, adjunctive treatments, as well as structured sport specific rehabilitation programs including resistive exercises for the entire upper extremity kinetic chain are all important factors in allowing for a return to throwing in competitive environments. In this review, we explore each of these factors and provide recommendations based on the available literature to improve outcomes in UCL injuries in athletes.