MCL Reconstruction — Elbow MCL Reconstruction

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS)

Weight-Bearing

Sling for comfort; Bledsoe brace at 75 deg with wrist free x 2 wks, adjust 30 deg to full flexion at 2-4 wks

Key Restrictions

Compressive dressing changed at 7-10 days; avoid aggressive weightlifting (esp. chest flies or elbow-stressing lifts) until 12 wks post-op; no flat ground pitching; full wind-up pitching reserved for return to mound throwing; return to competitive throwing after 9 months

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (surgery-4 wks): sling, compressive dressing, Bledsoe brace 75 deg with wrist free x2 wks then adjustable 30 deg-full flexion, grip strengthening, gentle wrist/hand ROM, walking/Stairmaster with sling on; Phase II (4-16 wks): discontinue Bledsoe brace, full shoulder ROM, advance elbow AROM/PROM as tolerated, elbow/wrist isometrics, ball squeezes; Phase III (16+ wks): interval throwing program 45-180 ft, mound program begins after 120 ft level, return to competitive throwing at 9 months (90-95% pre-injury strength typical)

Notes

OSMS Rehabilitation Guidelines; throwing athlete focus; results can continue improving up to a year post-op depending on age and patient commitment