UCL Tears

During par-terre (a wrestling movement) another athlete landed on the right elbow of our athlete. There was a notable "crack" that was heard by other athletes and coaches. Here is the inital evaluation, done on the sidelines of practice by the athletic training staff:

 

Subjective:

Athlete denies any numbness or tingling in the forearm or hand.

He reports that he has pain in his medial elbow when attempting to open doors and when clenching his fist.

No recollection of injuring this elbow previously.

 

Objective:

Mild to moderate swelling in the medial elbow and in the ulnar groove.

Point tender over the UCL and medial epicondyle.

Decrease range of motion due to swelling.

Pain with flexion & extension at the end ranges.

Decreased grip strength.

(+) Valgus stress test at 0 degrees

(+) Valgus stress test at 30 degrees (Slight clunk, no end point, very painful)

(-) Varus stress test at 0 & 30 degrees

(-) Squeeze test

(-) Tap test

(-) Tinel's sign

 

Assessment:

Grade 2 UCL Sprain

 

Plan:

Compression, ice, rest elbow. Athlete was referred to see an elbow specialist in the morning. 

 

Doctor's Visit:

The doctor diagnoised our athlete with a grade 2 (partial tear) of the right UCL of the elbow. X-rays were negative for fractures. Athlete was instructed to begin rehabilitation when pain and tenderness was diminished.