UCL Injuries: From the OR to the Mound
Abstract:
Performance of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction surgery recently increased 193% over a 10 year span. However, these injuries impact a small percentage of athletes including baseball players, gymnasts, javelin throwers, and wrestlers. Being that UCL injuries occurs in a small subset of the athletic populations, not every athletic trainer has the ability to see this injury with significant volume. Given the rarity in most occupational settings for ATs, it is worthwhile to know the path from diagnosis to treatment options and from the operating room back to the playing field.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify types of UCL injuries that may be treated non-operatively vs surgically.
- Define the 3 types surgical variations for UCLs. Describe various rehabilitation protocols and timelines.
- Identify appropriate return to play (RTP) progressions for position players and pitchers vs non-baseball players.
Level:
Mastery
Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
Orthopedic Domain(s):
Domain 3: Professional Practice
Keywords:
UCL injuries; Tommy John surgery; Elbow rehabilitation
CEUs:
1.0 Category A
A Statement of Credit reflecting your CEUs will be issued immediately upon the successful completion of all course components.
Course Expiration:
All sessions of the NATA 77th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by December 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.
Frank Alexander, MS, ATC
Frank Alexander, MS, ATC is an athletic trainer at Columbia University Irving Medical Center where he works alongside Dr. Chris Ahmad, serving as the lead athletic trainer within Dr. Ahmad's sports medicine practice. Over his career, Frank has established himself as an expert in the baseball sports medicine landscape. He has been an integral part of Dr. Ahmad's clinical team since 2015 and is responsible for coordinating the medical care of many elite athletes including the New York Yankees and a wide range of collegiate, amateur, and high school athletes from across the globe.
A former collegiate baseball player, Frank's primary focus in the office has been caring for baseball players at all levels. He has a special interest in injuries to the throwing shoulder and elbow. He serves as a trusted advisor to players, their families, coaches, and agents, as well as the athletic trainers, physical therapists, and physicians who care for baseball players.
Academically, Frank has authored numerous textbook chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles related to baseball sports medicine. He has also given over 50 lectures on baseball injuries, treatment, and prevention to sports medicine healthcare professionals, coaches, players, and parents.
His current research focuses on rehab protocols, return to throw progressions, and the psychological component of UCL injury.
Frank, his wife Kelly, and their daughters Adeline and Emilia live in New York with their dogs Charlie and Sadie.
