Ligaments are an integral part of the elbow joint. They ensure that the joint remains stable and that movement is smooth and coordinated. When the ligaments of the elbow are injured, it can seriously affect the joint’s ability to work properly.
UCL Injury
An ulnar collateral ligament injury of the elbow, also called a Tommy John injury, is a tear or sprain of the ligament on the inner side of the elbow. UCL injuries can be extremely painful and affect one’s ability to use their elbow. Fortunately, these injuries are relatively easy to diagnose and are treatable.
Causes
UCL injuries are most often caused by a repetitive throwing motion, like that which is used in sports such as baseball, softball, and football. The chances of this causing a UCL injury increase when there is not enough rest between throwing activities. While less common, UCL injuries can also be caused by a sudden impact or fall on the elbow.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of an ulnar collateral ligament injury include:
- Pain on the inner side of the elbow, especially when throwing or extending the arm.
- A distinct popping, tearing, or pulling sensation when the injury occurs.
- Swelling or bruising on the inner elbow.
- Numbness or tingling in the ring or little fingers.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should see one of our elbow specialists to be checked for a UCL injury.
Treatments
Fortunately, UCL injuries are treatable. Treatment can be either surgical or nonsurgical, depending on the severity of the injury. Nonsurgical treatment options include:
- Rest: Abstaining from activities that aggravate the injury, particularly throwing or overhead movements, can be enough to treat minor UCL injuries.
- Ice: Applying ice packs to the injured area throughout the day can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: These will be exercises focused on strengthening the muscles around the elbow, improving range of motion, and gradually increasing activity levels.
- Bracing: A brace or splint may be used to immobilize and stabilize the elbow, protecting the UCL and promoting healing.
For severe UCL injuries, surgery is often required. There are two options for surgery. These are:
- UCL Reconstruction: This is also called Tommy John surgery. This procedure involves reconstructing the ligament by replacing the damaged UCL with a tendon graft.
- UCL Repair: This procedure involves repairing the torn ligament with a strong suture. Recovery time can be faster than reconstruction.
One of our elbow specialists will be able to assess your UCL injury and determine which treatment option is the correct course of action.
LCL Injury
A lateral collateral ligament injury of the elbow is any damage to the ligaments on the outer side of the elbow joint. These injuries can range from minor sprains to complete tears. LCL injuries can be painful and affect the elbows movement and stability.
Causes
The most common causes of LCL injuries include:
- Falls: Falling onto an outstretched hand can cause the elbow to hyperextend, leading to an LCL sprain or tear, especially if the fall results in elbow dislocation.
- Direct blows: A direct impact to the outer side of the elbow can easily damage the LCL.
- Twisting injuries: Forced twisting of the elbow, which commonly happens when playing sports, can sprain or tear the LCL.
If you’re experiencing discomfort of the elbow after any of the above, you may have an LCL injury of the elbow.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a lateral collateral ligament injury of the elbow include:
- Pain on the outer side of the elbow, especially when stressed or moved.
- Swelling and tenderness around the elbow joint.
- A sensation of instability, clicking, or popping in the elbow, especially with extension or forearm rotation.
- Difficulty extending or rotating the forearm.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should see one of our elbow specialists to be checked for an LCL injury.
Treatments
LCL injuries are treatable. Treatment can be either surgical or nonsurgical, depending on the severity of the injury. Nonsurgical treatment options include:
- Rest: Abstaining from activities that aggravate the injury, particularly extending or rotating the forearm, can be enough to treat minor LCL injuries.
- Ice: Applying ice packs to the injured area throughout the day can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: These will be exercises focused on strengthening the forearm muscles, improving grip strength, and working on controlled movements.
- Bracing: A brace or splint may be used to immobilize and stabilize the elbow, protecting the LCL and promoting healing.
For severe LCL injuries, surgery is often required. There are two options for surgery. These are:
- UCL Reconstruction: This procedure involves reconstructing the ligament by replacing the damaged LCL with a tendon graft.
- UCL Repair: This procedure involves sewing together the torn ligament using a strong suture. This is only an option with less severe tears.
One of our elbow specialists will be able to assess your LCL injury and determine which treatment option is right for your specific case.
Should I Contact an Elbow Specialist for UCL and LCL Injuries?
It is always wise to contact an elbow specialist when dealing with a UCL or LCL injury. While your normal practitioner may be able to diagnose a UCL or LCL injury, an elbow specialist will be able to determine exactly how severe the injury is. An elbow specialist also has the specific knowledge needed to prescribe the treatment that will be most effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to UCL and LCL injuries, many patients have the same questions. Here, we will answer some of the most common.
Can the lateral collateral ligament heal itself?
Yes, it is possible for the lateral collateral ligament to heal itself. The process requires serious rest of the elbow joint. However, this is only possible for sprains and the least severe of tears.
Can you tear your lateral collateral ligament?
Yes, you can tear your lateral collateral ligament. Many LCL injuries are tears.
How long does it take an LCL injury to heal?
LCL injury healing time will vary based on the severity of the injury. Sprains and mild tears may heal in 3-4 weeks. On the other hand, severe tears may take up to 3 months to fully heal.
How long does it take an UCL injury to heal?
UCL injury healing time will vary based on the severity of the injury. Sprains and mild tears may heal in 3-4 weeks. However, severe UCL tears are serious injuries and may take up to 12-18 months to fully heal.
How can you tell if you tore your ulnar collateral ligament?
You may be able to tell you tore your ulnar collateral ligament by the presence of pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow and reduced arm function. However, the only way to know for sure is to see an elbow specialist. One of our elbow specialists will be able to say with certainty whether or not your UCL is torn.