Elbow Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow is part of the complex of ligaments and tendons that stabilize the bones of the lower and upper arm where they meet at the elbow joint. located on the inner side of your elbow, but on the outside of the joint itself.
Causes
An injury to the medial collateral ligament in the elbow is often caused by a forceful repetitive motion. In athletes such as baseball pitchers, javelin throwing or lacrosse players, this motion can cause inflammation, cartilage injuries, bone spurs and even tears in the ligament. In other cases, elbow MCL tears are often the result of a gradual process of waking of the ligament.
Symptoms
When the elbow MCL is torn, a person may still have full range of motion in the elbow, as well as the ability to throw. However, they will not be able to exert significant force into a throw. With other patients, it may not be immediately clear that the ligament has been torn.
Additional symptoms of an MCL injury include:
- A popping sound upon injury
- Pain and tenderness along the inner part of your elbow
- Swelling of the elbow joint
Treatments
OKC Orthopedics Sports Medicine is committed to helping patients with medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries return to the highest level of activity possible. Our team of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and athletic trainers work together to tailor a treatment plan to each patient’s needs and goals.
Our orthopedic surgeons are experts in elbow arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure in which small instruments and a thin, flexible medical device with a camera pass through an incision the size of a small Band-Aid. After surgery, our physical therapists guide each patient through a personalized rehabilitation program to restore strength and mobility.
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