Injury to the medial ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow can range from minor to major depending on the cause and past history of the player.
NOTE: Injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament at the elbow need to be separated from ulnar collateral ligament at the thumb
The ligament provides valgus stability for the elbow.
Sources of injury:
(1) repetitive overarm movements
(2) blunt trauma
Athletes at risk for injury:
(1) baseball pitchers
(2) contact sports
(3) any other athlete using repetitive overarm/overhead movements
Clinical findings with UCL injury:
(1) elbow pain and swelling
(2) problems with hand grip
(3) paresthesia in the fourth and fifth fingers
The diagnosis is supported by changes in imaging studies (CT. MRI, US).
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Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic
