During an UCL Reconstruction, which portion of the ligament is reconstructed?

In an UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) Reconstruction, the portion of the ligament that is primarily reconstructed is the anterior bundle, specifically the anteromedial aspect. The anterior bundle is critical for the stability of the elbow, particularly during overhead activities such as throwing. This bundle provides the most significant support against valgus stress and is typically the area that experiences the most strain and potential injury in athletes, especially in sports that involve repetitive throwing motions.

The surgical procedure involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft, often taken from the patient’s own tissue or from a donor. By focusing on the anterior aspect, the reconstruction aims to restore stability and function to the elbow joint, allowing athletes to return to their sport after rehabilitation. Although the other sections of the ligament play roles in overall joint stability, the anterior bundle is the key focus for reconstruction in these procedures.