Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

The elbow joint is designed to withstand a great deal of force without extending the bones out of alignment. The bone structure combined with the tendons and ligaments that secure the bones in place preventing dislocation of the bones. Even with an intelligent design, enough force can push the bones out of their normal position, resulting in a dislocated elbow. An elbow injury that can occur from a dislocation is a torn lateral ulnar collateral ligament. Reconstruction surgery is often the best solution for a torn LUCL, which Jonathan L. Glashow, MD can perform in Miami, FL.

The lateral ulnar collateral ligament, or LUCL, is the connective band on the outside of the elbow joint. When the elbow bones are shoved out of place during a fall, sports move or accident, the LUCL may be stretched and torn. Once the elbow bones are put back in place, the LUCL may not reform to its normal tightness. This can result in an unstable elbow joint that can easily be dislocated with minimal force. The best way to repair a LUCL is with surgery to reconstruct the ligament.

LUCL Surgical Repair or Reconstruction

To repair a severely torn LUCL, the surgeon must harvest repair tissue to reconstruct the ligament. Tendon tissue is usually used, often from the forearm, to reconstruct the ligament to hold the elbow joint in place. This surgery is very effective at providing the needed support for the elbow, and is best performed if it has been over three weeks since the injury. A stretched or torn LUCL may be able to be repaired if the surgery is performed within 2-3 weeks after the elbow dislocation, but many may require complete reconstruction.

Dr. Glashow is one of the top orthopedic and sports injury surgeons in the country. If you need lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery to restore stability to your elbow joint, Dr. Glashow and his team can perform this complex procedure at his surgical center in Miami, FL. Contact the office of Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery to schedule a surgical consultation.