UCL Repair — Elbow UCL Repair — Non-Athlete

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE

Key Restrictions

No valgus stress to elbow; no lifting/pushing/pulling; no UCL-stressing resistance until 6 weeks; hinged EO (wk 2: 30-100°, wk 4: 10-120°, wk 6: full ROM) full time including sleep

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): postop splint elbow/wrist immobilized; Phase 2 (2-6 wks): hinged EO with progressive ROM, grip and wrist/forearm AROM, isometrics wrist/shoulder/biceps/triceps from week 4; Phase 3 (6-12 wks): wean EO, progressive wrist curls/biceps/triceps (start 1 lb), shoulder strengthening

Notes

Hinged EO full time including sleep; progressive ROM: wk2 30-100°, wk4 10-120°, wk6 full; shoulder strengthening with gravity resistance initially; no valgus stress throughout recovery

Published

09/2024