FAQs

The expert team at Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics specializes in UCL tear surgery — also called Tommy John surgery — which involves reconstructing the UCL with a tendon from another part of your body or a donor. We typically perform this surgery when the ligament tear is severe enough that it causes instability of the elbow or limits the individual [...]

Many people find sufficient pain relief from the conservative treatment of UCL tears. Non-surgical treatments include: Activity modification Immobilization Physical therapy Ice and heat Medication to reduce pain and inflammation PRP injections for partial or minor tears  If non-surgical treatment doesn’t work, or if you’re a throwing athlete who wants to return to sports, surgery may be [...]

UCL injuries can be challenging to diagnose, which is why it’s essential to seek treatment from the expert team at Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics.  They thoroughly review your medical history and perform a physical exam that may include a valgus stress test, which evaluates the condition of your UCL. On-site imaging tests at Elite Sports Medicine [...]

UCL tears and tendonitis of the elbow can both have similar symptoms, which is why it is important to seek the help of an orthopedic surgeon to determine your diagnosis and treatment plan. UCL tears and elbow tendonitis are both often caused by overuse, and both conditions may present symptoms like elbow pain and stiffness. [...]

You may have a UCL tear if you experience the following signs and symptoms: Elbow pain and stiffness on the inside (medial side) of the elbow  Swelling and bruising Loss of function in the arm and elbow Numbness or tingling in your ring finger or pinky Weakness or clumsiness of your hand Difficulty throwing or [...]

Most UCL tears occur gradually due to repetitive stress on the ligament. Athletes who use overhead arm motions like throwing are most likely to injure their UCL this way. You can also tear your UCL suddenly, like from a fall on an outstretched arm. A sudden UCL tear may occur with other acute injuries, like [...]

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) attaches your upper arm bone to the ulna, one of the bones in your forearm. The UCL supports your elbow and helps you perform certain motions, like throwing a baseball. Overuse or trauma can cause the UCL to tear, causing elbow pain and instability, making it difficult or impossible to [...]