Injuries to the elbow in overhead athletes, particularly baseball pitchers, continue to increase in frequency. The anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), the primary restraint to valgus elbow stress, is commonly injured with throwing. Historically, such injuries have been treated with surgical reconstruction techniques, using a tendon autograft. Now an UCL repair procedure with an internal brace, utilizing collagen tape, is gaining popularity. The primary goal of this surgery is to enhance elbow joint stability while the ligament is healing. This also allows an earlier return to sport than typically seen after UCL reconstruction. The rehabilitation program following UCL repair with internal brace progresses through different time frames than after UCL reconstruction. The purpose of this Webinar is to discuss the outcomes seen following UCL Repair with internal brace, present the indications and limitations of the surgical technique, and to describe and provide the rationale for the rehabilitation process following this procedure in overhead throwing athletes.
