UCL Repair Rehabilitation Protocols

8 UCL Repair rehabilitation protocols from 6 institutions, published 2024. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

Institution	Weight-Bearing	Key Restrictions
Orthopaedic Associates of Maine — Arthrex Internal Brace	FWB; thumb spica splint wks 0-6	Thumb spica cast/splint wks 0-2 (bag for shower); removable thumb spica wks 2-6; no pinching, grabbing, or…
Saint Louis University (SLUCare) — Internal Brace	N/A	Brace fixed at 90 deg wk 0-1; brace 30-110 deg wk 2; 10-125 deg wk 3; unrestricted ROM wk 4; avoid valgus…
Sutter Health / Palo Alto Medical Foundation — Elbow UCL…	N/A (upper extremity)	Splint 1 week; no valgus stress; sling optional wk 1-2; total body conditioning from wk 2 (after incision…
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Elbow UCL Repair…	NWB surgical UE	No valgus stress to elbow; no lifting/pushing/pulling; no UCL-stressing resistance until 6 weeks; hinged EO…
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Elbow UCL Repair…	NWB surgical arm	No valgus stress; no lifting/pushing/pulling; no UCL-stressing resistance until 6 weeks; hinged EO (wk 2…
UW Health Orthopedic Surgery; UnityPoint Health - Meriter…	NWB surgical UE	No lifting/pushing/pulling >5 lbs involved UE; no WB involved UE; no aggressive pinching/gripping; hand-based…
UW Health Orthopedic Surgery; UnityPoint Health - Meriter…	NWB surgical UE	No lifting/pushing/pulling >5 lbs involved UE; no WB involved UE; no aggressive pinching/gripping; no UCL…
UW Health Sports Medicine — with Internal Brace	N/A (elbow surgery)	Week 1: hard brace 90°; Week 2: brace 30°-100°, rehab ROM 15°-110°; Week 3: brace 20°-100°; brace off 6-8…