Hand Therapy 145 - Elbow injuries and Treatment

Educational Objectives: At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Part I - Ulnar Collateral Ligament Evaluation and Diagnostics

1. Describe the anatomy and biomechanics of the elbow joint
2. Describe pertinent components of an evaluation for a suspected UCL injury
3. Outline the specific steps and how to perform the milking test and the moving valgus stress test
4. Explore techniques used for imaging the thrower’s elbow
5. List and describe differential diagnosis for the overhead throwing athlete including differential diagnosis for Ulnar collateral Ligament (UCL) injury, flexor-pronator injury, Valgus Extension Overload (VEO) / Posteromedial impingement , Olecranon stress fracture, Ulnar nerve pathology

Part II - Sprains, Strains, and Partial Tears of the Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow

1. Become familiar with examination and imaging techniques for athletes with medial sided elbow pain
2. Describe conservative treatment techniques for sprains and partial tears of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL)
3. List 2 indications and 2 contraindications for surgical repair of the MUCL
4. Explore the surgical technique used to repair MUCL tears
5. Outline the postoperative protocol for therapy following surgical repair
6. List 3 potential complications following surgical intervention