2023 Annual Meeting Wrist & Elbow Access Pass-UCL_ When to Repair vs. Reconstruct

UCL_ When to Repair vs. Reconstruct_

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Stephen Cohen discusses managing UCL tears in athletes, focusing on when to opt for repair versus reconstruction. Younger athletes with proximal or distal partial tears may be candidates for primary repair augmented with an internal brace, enabling quicker return to play—often under seven months. Non-operative treatment remains first-line for partial tears. Reconstruction is the gold standard for complete tears, boasting 85-92% return rates but involves longer recovery. Repair is less suitable for mid-substance or poor-quality ligaments. Treatment choice depends on tear type, ligament quality, athlete’s goals, and timing, with reconstruction favored for chronic or complete tears.

Asset Caption

Steven B. Cohen, M.D.

Keywords

UCL tears

athlete injury management

primary repair

internal brace augmentation

reconstruction outcomes