UCL Reconstruction — Palmaris Longus or Gracilis Graft

iOrtho

Weight-Bearing

Non-weight bearing on repaired upper extremity; hinged brace wks 1-6 (D/C at wk 6 if full ROM)

Key Restrictions

No active elbow flexion or forearm supination until wk 4; no lifting until wk 8; no valgus stress to graft; no ER strengthening until wk 6; no throwing until wk 16+; gracilis graft: no progressive hamstring strengthening until wk 6; interval throwing program at wk 16

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (Wks 0-3 immediate), Phase II (Wks 4-6 protection), Phase III (Wks 6-12 strengthening), Phase IV (Wks 12-16 advanced strengthening), Phase V (Wks 16+ early/unrestricted RTS)

Notes

Palmaris longus graft: wrist compression 5-7 days; gracilis graft: knee ROM immediately/bike at wk 3; KJOC throwers assessment for RTS

Published

August 2024