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ulnar collateral ligament Ross Hauser, M.D. The ulnar collateral ligament supports the inside of the elbow and is a reason for most chronic medial elbow pains. the UCL is responsible for holding the ulnar bone to the distal end of the humerus. This enables the arm to flex, pivoting at the elbow. An athlete's complaint of pain on the inside of the elbow will cause the some doctors to examine the lateral epicondyle's "sister," the medial epicondyle. Some doctors will diagnose medial epicondylitis and recommend NSAIDS, or a cortisone shot. The ulnar collateral ligament is approximately three-quarters of an inch distal to (away from) the medial epicondyle. It is a tremendously important structure stabilizing the medial (inside) part of the elbow. When the elbow is flexed 90 degrees, as occurs during a wrestling match or football tackle, the ulnar collateral ligament distributes over 50 percent of the medial support of the elbow. (Morrey, B. Articular and ligamentous contributions to the stability of the elbow joint. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1983; 11:315-319.) It has also been shown to be the most important stabilizing structure for the elbow in response to an elbow blow to the lateral side (valgus stress) (Hotchkiss, R. Valgus stability of the elbow. Journal of Orthopedic Research. 1987; 5:372-377.) Another study showed that weakening of the ulnar collateral ligament had a profound effect on range of motion of the elbow. (Morrey, B. A biomechanical study of normal functional elbow motion. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1981; 63A:872-877.) This could effect quite a number of different athletes in various sporting events. The ulnar collateral ligament is also important because it refers pain down the arm into the little finger and ring finger. This same pain and numbness distribution is seen when the ulnar nerve is aggravated. The ulnar nerve lies behind the elbow and is the reason why hitting your funny bone causes pain. Because most physicians are not familiar with the referral pattern of ligaments, elbow pain and/or numbness into the little finger and ring finger is often diagnosed as an ulnar nerve problem, called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. A more common reason for this condition is ligament laxity in the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae or in the ulnar collateral ligament, not a pinched nerve. The point to remember here is that if an athlete is given a diagnosis with the word "syndrome," the athlete should turn the other direction and run to the closest Prolotherapist. If the athlete is not significantly better after a month of physiotherapy, it is time to check out of that mode of treatment and check into Prolotherapy. A common mode of treatment for ulnar nerve problems is surgery. The orthopedist removes the ulnar nerve from its normal home in the bottom of the elbow and moves it to the side. An athlete given surgery as the mode of treatment for a pain complaint should obtain a second opinion from a doctor who is competent in the treatment of Prolotherapy. Surgery should normally be performed only after all conservative options, including Prolotherapy, have been attempted. Prolotherapy to the ulnar collateral ligament is the most successful way to eliminate medial elbow pain. |
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Caring Medical
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 Ross
Hauser, M.D.Dr. Hauser received his M.D. from the University of Illinois, Chicago; completed his residency at Loyola-Hines VA-Marianjoy Hospitals in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Hauser is the Medical Director and co-founder of the physician-run, comprehensive natural medicine clinic, Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services in Oak Park, Illinois. Dr. Hauser is one of the leading experts in the treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries with Prolotherapy. He, along with his wife Marion, have written seven books on the topic of Prolotherapy, a comprehensive book on the natural medicine approach to cancer, as well as a myriad of articles and newsletters for the general public. Read more |
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