Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Overhead Throwers: An All Too Familiar Problem

Abstract

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the main stabilizer of valgus stress put on the elbow during overhead throwing movements and thus a common site of tearing. Traditional treatment includes Tommy John surgery, with as long as a 17 months return to play period (4). In professional athletes who require to be healthy to get paid, return to play time is of the essence, so what alternative options are there for those who tear their UCL? This curiosity led to the development of the question: In high level baseball players (HS and above) with UCL tears, is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection as effective and possess a quicker return to competition time compared to conventional TJ surgery? After a dive into PRP primary literature, which was scarce considering the novelty of the therapy, PRP has been shown to be highly effective in promoting a quicker return to play in overhead throwing athletes who have experienced partial UCL tears, compared to those undergoing traditional TJ surgery. However, for those who have experienced more severe tears (complete), PRP is likely not an effective option.