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Advanced UCL Reconstruction Surgery

In college, baseball players most commonly experience elbow injuries and upper extremity problems. UCL reconstruction surgery stands as baseball's most commonly performed injury treatment. During this procedure the surgeon replaces the damaged ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow of the patient (using a tendon from the patient's body or a deceased donor).

The success rates paint an encouraging picture. The majority of patients return to their pre-injury activity levels after precise surgical steps and proper rehabilitation. 

This article explains everything about UCL reconstruction—from surgery preparation to the actual procedure and recovery expectations. 

Why CARE Group Hospitals is Your Top Choice for UCL Reconstruction Surgery in Hyderabad

CARE Hospitals shines as a leader in medical excellence. They give hope to patients who need complex procedures like UCL reconstruction. Our advanced facilities & experienced specialists help create an unmatched surgical experience for people with elbow injuries.

At CARE Hospitals our orthopaedic team carries out complex surgeries with great skill and accuracy. CARE Hospitals stands out because of our all-encompassing approach, including but not limited to:

Our complete preoperative analysis helps patients get care designed specifically for their condition. Their intuitive approach focuses on both physical and emotional well-being.

Advanced Surgical Innovations at CARE Hospital

CARE Hospitals keeps improving its surgical capabilities. We have introduced the Hugo & Da Vinci X Robotic systems, enabling our surgeons to perform procedures with improved precision. The hospital hosted 'The Robotic Edge 2025,' a landmark clinical conference that showcased future advances in robotic surgery.

CARE leads the way in arthroscopic reconstruction techniques for joint procedures. These need only small, keyhole-sized incisions. With the help of fibre optics & specialised surgical instruments, our surgeons perform complex reconstructions while minimising damage to surrounding tissues.

Best UCL Reconstruction Surgery Doctors in India

Indications for UCL Reconstruction Surgery

UCL reconstruction fixes tears in the ulnar collateral ligament inside the elbow. This procedure works best if you have:

  • Athletic involvement in throwing sports with major UCL tears
  • Overuse injuries from repeated overhead arm movements
  • No success with non-surgical treatments

Types of UCL Reconstruction Surgery Procedures

CARE performs two main types of UCL reconstruction surgeries:

  • Autograft Reconstruction: Uses the patient's own tissue as a graft, usually the palmaris longus tendon from the forearm or sometimes a hamstring tendon.
  • Allograft Reconstruction: Uses donor tissue, typically from a cadaveric source. This works better when the patient's own tissue is not suitable for graft.

Your surgeon will choose the correct approach for you after evaluating your condition to get the best results.

Before Surgery Preparation

  • Doctors start with a full physical exam and imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans or MRIs) to get a complete picture of the elbow. 
  • Your doctor will tell you which medications to stop before surgery. 
  • You will need to avoid food and drinks for about 12 hours before the procedure. 
  • Some surgeons suggest "pre-hab" exercises to build strength at the surgery site, which could lead to better results.

UCL Reconstruction Surgical Procedure

The surgery takes 60-90 minutes under general anaesthesia

  • The surgeon first takes a tendon graft—usually from your forearm (palmaris longus) or hamstring. 
  • The surgeon makes a 3-4 inch cut on the inner elbow, removes damaged tissue, and drills holes in the ulna and humerus bones. 
  • Your new tendon goes through these holes in a docking or figure-eight pattern and stays secure with sutures, buttons or screws. 
  • The surgeon closes the incision, and your arm rests in a hard splint bent at 90 degrees.

Post-surgery Recovery

  • Recovery happens in clear stages over 9-12 months. 
  • Your elbow stays still in a splint at 60-90 degrees right after surgery. 
  • Gentle movement starts with a hinged brace after 1-2 weeks, and the motion range grows slowly. 
  • Most patients can fully stretch their elbow by the month's end. 
  • Physical therapy builds strength and motion range. 
  • Athletes can start light throwing at 4-5 months and might return to competition at 9-12 months.

Complications

You should know about these complications:

  • Infection where the surgery happened
  • Ulnar nerve tingling or numbness 
  • Blood vessel damage
  • Graft getting loose or breaking (might need another surgery)
  • Arm/elbow stiffness

Benefits of UCL Reconstruction Surgery

Benefits are:

  • Eases elbow pain
  • Makes the joint stable again
  • Brings back normal movement
  • Most athletes get back to their sport
  • The need for a second surgery remains quite low

Insurance Assistance for UCL Reconstruction Surgery

Most insurance plans will cover this surgery if it's needed medically. Many insurance policies also cover rehab expenses. You should check with your insurance provider about what you will need to pay.

Second Opinion for UCL Reconstruction Surgery

A second medical opinion will help confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan. Athletes really need this step because their careers depend on how well their elbows work. Talking to doctors who often do UCL reconstruction surgery will help you make the best choice about your care.

Conclusion

UCL reconstruction surgery has evolved by a lot over the last several years. This procedure helps athletes and patients return to normal activities, unlike its career-ending reputation in the past. The recovery trip needs patience and takes 9-12 months, but the outcomes prove its worth with the majority of patients getting back to their pre-injury activity levels.

CARE Group emerges as a top choice if you are thinking about this surgery. Our comprehensive approach is an amalgamation of expert surgery and best rehabilitation programmes giving patients personalised care throughout their treatment journey.

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UCL Reconstruction Surgery Hospitals in India

Frequently Asked Questions

UCL reconstruction fixes a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. The surgeon replaces the damaged ligament with a tendon from your body or a donor. This replacement stabilises the elbow, reduces pain and helps restore normal movement.

Doctors manage post-surgery pain with prescribed medications. Local anaesthetics during surgery last 8-12 hours. Pain typically peaks on day one or two as swelling increases. Your doctor will prescribe pain relievers to control discomfort.

The surgery usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. The duration varies based on ligament damage severity and additional injuries that need treatment.

Complications can include infection, anaesthesia-related problems and nerve or blood vessel damage. Ulnar nerve irritation might cause temporary or permanent numbness. The graft could stretch or rupture which might require another reconstruction.

Complete recovery takes 9-12 months. Normal elbow motion returns within 2-4 months. Athletes can resume competitive throwing between 6-9 months after surgery, though full recovery might take a year or longer.

Your preparation includes physical exams, blood tests, imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs), and an electrocardiogram. Your doctor will advise you about stopping certain medications and avoiding food or drinks 12 hours before surgery.

You can sit, but your arm needs support. Your doctor will recommend avoiding extended sitting without arm support for about two weeks. Rest in reclined positions with a pillow under your forearm.

Medical evaluations will determine if you are healthy enough for surgery. Prepare meals ahead and keep comfortable clothing ready to make your recovery easier.

After inducing general anaesthesia, your surgeon will make a 3-4 inch incision on your elbow's inner side. They will take a tendon from your forearm, hamstring, knee or foot. The surgeon will drill holes in the humerus and ulna bones and thread your new tendon through these holes. They will use either the docking or figure-eight technique. The whole procedure usually takes 60-90 minutes.

Make sure you follow all guidelines about eating, drinking and adjusting your medications. Remember to bring your personal, medical and insurance documents. Your care team might recommend starting "pre-hab" exercises that you should take seriously.

Physical therapy begins right away. The focus stays on your shoulder, biceps, wrist and fingers while your elbow heals. Your rehab programme moves through specific phases over 9-12 months. Athletes can typically start a throwing progression around the six-month mark.

Listen carefully to your surgeon's instructions. Stay away from overhead activities for 6-12 weeks. Make your return to activities gradual and review proper mechanics for any overhead movements.

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