How Do You Treat a Torn Ligament in Your Elbow?

Do you feel numbness or tingling in your hand? Are you experiencing elbow stiffness? You may have torn a ligament in your elbow. Learn what an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear is and the types of treatments a sports medicine specialist can provide to help you get back to the activities you enjoy.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears

An ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear is an injury to a ligament in your elbow. Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect one bone to another to form the joints. The UCL attaches the humerus to the ulna, which helps support and stabilizes your arm. When the ligament is injured, it could be stretched, partially torn, or completely torn.

When the UCL tears, you may hear a “pop.” You are often unable to continue activity after it occurs. Other symptoms include:

• Swelling or bruising at the inner elbow and upper forearm
• Elbow stiffness or inability to straighten the elbow
• A weakened hand grip
• Inability to throw a ball at full speed
• Numbness or tingling in the hand

The stress of repeated throwing motions may cause the fibers in the ligament to stretch and fray. Over time, small muscle tears — known as microtears — can develop and cause the ligament to rupture. Common causes of UCL tears include:

• Overuse of the ligament from a work or sports activity — like throwing a baseball or football — that puts stress on your inner elbow.
• A sudden movement that twists or tears a ligament, like a fall onto an outstretched hand or your elbow. The UCL ligament can also be injured if another person lands on your elbow.

To confirm a UCL injury, your sports medicine specialist will perform a thorough exam and ask about your symptoms and what you were doing at the time of the injury. They will then take X-rays or other scans (such as an ultrasound, MRI, or arthrogram) to evaluate the damage.

UCL Tear Treatments

Treatment for UCL tears varies depending on the severity of the injury and your health goals. For mild UCL injuries, a nonsurgical procedure may be all you need. These treatments include rest and ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to strengthen the elbow muscles and improve range of motion. Additionally, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections may also be used for minor UCL tears. A type of Prolotherapy, PRP promotes the body’s self-healing properties to help repair damaged ligaments.

If nonsurgical treatments don’t provide the desired pain relief, further treatment may be recommended. Your doctor may suggest Tommy John surgery when surgical treatment is required. This treatment is named after the famous baseball pitcher who underwent the first surgery for a UCL tear in 1974. It is a surgical graft procedure that replaces the ligament with a tendon from elsewhere in the body, like the hamstring, the forearm, or the foot. The tendon is then attached to the bones and held in place with sutures or screws.

Rehabilitation after Tommy John surgery could take months and often depends on the individual. Physical therapy is usually recommended to improve range of motion and strengthen your elbow. If there was additional damage to the elbow than just the ligament tear, recovery could take longer.

Are you experiencing a torn ligament in your elbow? Our “Centers of Excellence” offer top-level orthopedic care for any elbow concerns you may have, all in one location. NY Orthopedics now offers telemedicine and virtual appointments to meet your urgent needs. Make an appointment today at one of our locations in New York City to start your healing journey.