This surgery replaces a torn ulnar collateral ligament (we say "UCL"). It's a band of flexible tissue in the elbow. Replacing a torn UCL gives your elbow strength and stability. It restores range of motion.
To begin, you're given medicine to put you to sleep. Your torn UCL will be replaced with a piece of tendon called a "graft." Often, we take this graft from your own body. Commonly, it comes from your forearm, but it could come from somewhere else. If we take the graft from your body, we need to make an incision to get it. Another option is to use a graft taken from a donor.
When the graft is ready, we make an incision to reach the elbow joint. We carefully inspect the joint. We may need to remove some damaged tissue. Now we drill holes through the bones where the UCL originally attached. One hole is drilled through the humerus. That's the bone of the upper arm. The other is drilled through the ulna. That's one of your forearm bones.
Now we use the graft to remake your UCL. We guide the graft through the holes and anchor it securely. The graft stabilizes the joint.
When it's done, your skin is closed and bandaged, and your arm is immobilized in a brace. You're watched closely in a recovery room as you wake up. Follow your care plan for a safe recovery.