Background: Surgical reconstruction is the most common treatment for full-thickness Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) tears of the elbow. However, the recovery process for a UCL reconstruction is generally 9-12 months. The purpose of this case study is to elucidate how conservative physical therapy treatment of a complete UCL tear can restore a level of athletic functionality to throwing athletes when healing time interferes with playing time. Case Description: The patient was a 20-year old female who sustained a full-thickness UCL tear of her right elbow. Intervention: Interventions included wrist flexor soft tissue mobilization, scapular strengthening, core strengthening, analysis of throwing mechanics and administration of a return to throwing program. Outcomes: Elbow ROM and scapular strength were evaluated. A DASH could have been performed and would have provided more insight into this patient’s functional response to treatment. Discussion: Ulnar collateral ligament tears are on the rise among throwing athletes. Although UCL reconstruction has been reported to return patients back to sport at or near pre-injury performance, the associated recovery period invariably disrupts athletic activity for up to a year. If conservative physical therapy treatment became a more viable option for complete UCL tears long-term, throwing athletes could be provided an opportunity for amplified activity post-injury when surgery precludes participation for a prolonged period of time.
Dissertation
Physical Therapy Treatment in the Conservative Management of a Full-thickness Ulnar Collateral Ligament tear: A Case Report
University of Iowa
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
Autumn 2017
Free to read and download, Open Access
Abstract
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Physical Therapy Treatment in the Conservative Management of a Full-thickness Ulnar Collateral Ligament tear: A Case Report
- Creators
- Emily Roberts - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Laura Frey Law (Advisor)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Case Report
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2017
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 9 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2017 Emily Roberts
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Case Reports
- Record Identifier
- 9984109986902771
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