Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
The lateral collateral complex of the elbow is a combination of four ligaments that help support and stabilize the joint. One of the ligaments in this complex is the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL), which connects the humerus and ulna bones and provides posterior stability. When the LUCL is damaged, it may need repair or reconstruction. The orthopedic surgeons at DOCS Health offer lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery at our medical center in Los Angeles.
The lateral ulnar collateral ligament gives the elbow support on the outside of the joint. When the LUCL is torn or damaged, the elbow does not have stability. This can impact the function and strength of the elbow joint if the LUCL does not heal completely. The LUCL can be damaged due to complex elbow dislocations or fractures. While many LUCL tears and injuries can heal on their own without surgical repair or reconstruction, some may not recover completely. The elbow can remain unstable, with popping or shifting sensations when extending the elbow. This is often due to the LUCL being looser than required due to tearing or stretching during the elbow injury.
Candidates for LUCL Reconstruction Surgery
Patients who sustain an elbow dislocation or fracture that continue to have elbow instability after recovery may be candidates for LUCL reconstruction surgery. LUCL surgical repairs are best made within a few weeks of the injury, but reconstruction surgery could be used when recovery does not occur as expected. Tendon tissue can be harvested from other areas to be used in reconstruction of the ligament to provide improved stability to the elbow joint.
Our experienced orthopedic surgeons at DOCS Health utilize the most advanced techniques to perform complex procedures, like lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery. Our state-of-the-art surgical center in Los Angeles is equipped with cutting-edge medical technology to assist in obtaining the best results for our orthopedic patients. If you have suffered a serious elbow injury, contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our top orthopedic surgeons.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.