Research progress concerning ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction for ulnar collateral ligament injury in overhead throwing athletes / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow is the primary stabilizer to resist valgus stress. Its injury is common in overhead throwing athletes, mainly caused by repeated valgus forces, and can cause elbow pain and affect the career of athletes. A common treatment of ulnar collateral ligament injury for overhead throwing athletes is ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR). At present, the UCLR techniques have been constantly improved, mainly in graft structure, incision exposure, management of the ulnar nerve, and methods of humeral and ulnar fixation. This paper is to review the anatomy and biomechanics of UCL, as well as techniques, key points, postoperative complications and rehabilitation of UCLR so as to deepen the understanding of UCLR in clinicians.