Schedule an appointment
800-836-7536
800-836-7536
Click the button below to schedule an appointment. You will be taken to a new page.
A UCL injury can sideline athletes at every level, from college pitchers to weekend warriors. The ulnar collateral ligament is the most commonly injured ligament in the elbow, and it can experience extreme stress during repetitive throwing and overhead motions.
At Temple Health, our orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists have the training and experience to accurately diagnose UCL injuries and develop the right treatment plan for your injury, activity level, and goals. We see patients at multiple locations across the Philadelphia region.
Click the button below to schedule an appointment.
You will be taken to a new page.
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) runs along the inside of the elbow and provides stability during throwing and overhead activity. UCL injuries are common among baseball players, quarterbacks, javelin throwers, and other overhead athletes, but can also occur from a single traumatic event.
A UCL injury may cause pain along the inside of the elbow, instability during throwing, decreased throwing velocity or accuracy, and difficulty with overhead activity. If you are experiencing these symptoms, seeing a sports medicine specialist is an important first step toward accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Not every UCL injury requires surgery. Temple’s sports medicine team evaluates each patient individually and uses the least invasive approach appropriate for your injury and goals.
Some UCL injuries can be managed without surgery. Non-surgical options may include:
When surgery is the right option, Temple orthopaedic surgeons perform UCL reconstruction, commonly known as Tommy John surgery. This procedure reconstructs the damaged ligament along the inside of the elbow using your own tissue (autograft) or donor tissue (allograft), restoring elbow stability and function.
Your surgeon will discuss which approach is right for you based on the extent of your injury, your sport, and your goals for returning to activity.
Click the button below to schedule an appointment.
You will be taken to a new page.
3509 N. Broad Street, Boyer Pavilion, 5th Floor,
Philadelphia, PA 19140
7604 Central Avenue, Friends Hall, Suite 100,
Philadelphia, PA 19111
7500 Central Avenue, Suite 108,
Philadelphia, PA 19111
515 Pennsylvania Avenue, 1st Floor,
Fort Washington, PA 19034