Finite Element Analysis of the Ulnar Tunnel in Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow originates on the medial epicondyle of the humerus and inserts on the sublime tubercle of the proximal ulna. This ligament is classically composed of three distinct structures: the anterior bundle, the posterior bundle, and the transverse bundle. Of these three, the anterior bundle has been shown to be the primary stabilizer to valgus load between 20° and 120° of flexion [1]. Injuries to the anterior bundle of the UCL are commonly seen in baseball pitchers, where the valgus load on the elbow during the throwing motion approaches the failure load of the ligament [2].