AANA19 Wrist & Elbow Access Pass-Return to Play Following Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection of Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Based on Injury Severity-Dr. Patrick Wakefield Joyner, M.D., MS.

Return to Play Following Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection of Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Based on Injury Severity-Dr. Patrick Wakefield Joyner, M.D., MS.

Back to course

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This study evaluated non-operative treatment of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in throwing athletes using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections combined with rehabilitation. Researchers developed a classification system (types 1-4) based on MRI findings, with types 1 and 2 as low- and high-grade partial tears, and type 4 as complex tears. In 50 patients, about 60% of types 1-3 returned to play without surgery; multiple PRP injections offered no added benefit. Type 4 tears had poor non-surgical outcomes, suggesting early surgical consideration. The study supports PRP plus rehab as effective non-surgical options for partial UCL tears, reducing unnecessary surgeries.

Asset Caption

Concurrent Scientific Session: Paper Presentations - Wrist and Elbow 5.4.2019

Keywords

Ulnar collateral ligament tears

Platelet-rich plasma injections

Throwing athletes

Non-operative treatment

MRI classification system