Ulnar collateral ligament injury in the overhead athlete: diagnosis and treatment

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is more commonly injured than previously suggested. Injury to this ligament can result in secondary symptoms and problems in other parts of the elbow, including the ulnar nerve, the flexor-pronator musculotendinous unit, the radiocapitellar joint, and the posterior compartment of the elbow, in addition to being a cause of loose bodies within the elbow. This article briefly reviews the anatomy, biomechanics, and pathophysiology of injury, in addition to discussing evaluation and treatment of the athlete with an injured UCL.