Ulnar collateral ligament

The Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) is a key structure in the human body, specifically within the elbow joint. It is one of the most important ligaments in the arm, providing stability and strength to the elbow.

Anatomy

The UCL is located on the medial side of the elbow, connecting the humerus to the ulna. It is composed of three bundles: the anterior, posterior, and transverse. The anterior bundle is the most critical for elbow stability, particularly during the throwing motion.

Function

The primary function of the UCL is to provide stability to the elbow joint, particularly during activities that involve throwing or other overhead motions. It resists valgus stress, preventing the elbow from bending too far in the wrong direction.

Injury and Treatment

Injuries to the UCL are common in athletes who participate in sports that involve repetitive throwing motions, such as baseball or javelin throwing. This is often referred to as a "Tommy John" injury, named after the first professional baseball player to undergo surgery to repair a torn UCL.

Treatment for UCL injuries can range from conservative methods such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, to surgical intervention in more severe cases. Tommy John Surgery, named after the aforementioned baseball player, involves replacing the damaged UCL with a tendon from elsewhere in the patient's body.

See Also

• Elbow
• Ligament
• Tommy John Surgery