Ulnar collateral Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that hold bones together and help control the movement of joints. A ligament serves as a tether between the bones. When the ligament is torn, the tether is too long and the bones move too much. This can lead to pain, a sense of instability or looseness, and inability to work or play sports.
The ulnar collateral ligament complex is located on the inside of the elbow (pinky or medial side). It is attached on one side to the humerus (the bone of the upper arm) and on the other side to the ulna (a bone in the forearm). A UCL consists of three bands or divisions: the anterior (front), posterior (back) and transverse (across) bands. The anterior band is the most important for the elbow’s stability of the elbow.