L-UCL Reconstruction/Repair
The elbow is a complex joint of the upper limb formed by the articulation of the long bone of the upper arm or humerus and the two bones of the forearm, namely, radius and ulna. The elbow joint is supported by the ulnar collateral ligament, radial collateral ligament and the annular ligament. These ligaments provide stability and strength to the elbow joint. Lateral ulnar collateral ligament is the main stabilizer on the outside of the elbow. Tear of this ligament is known as the lateral ulnar collateral ligament tear. Lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) may tear due to elbow dislocation. LUCL usually heals enough when the elbow is positioned back in place. At times LUCL remains loose as a result it won’t stay in place, in such cases physical therapy may help in strengthening the muscles around the elbow. LUCL reconstruction or repair is the most reliable way to treat a loose LUCL.