Which examination technique is CONTRAINDICATED one week after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction at the elbow?

Which examination technique is CONTRAINDICATED one week after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction at the elbow?

• A. Wrist extension ROM
• B. Shoulder lateral (external) ROM
• C. Scapular mobility
• D. Grip strength testing

Answer: (B)

Protecting the healing graft from valgus stress is the priority in the first week after UCL reconstruction. External rotation of the shoulder can place the arm in positions that generate valgus torque across the elbow through the kinetic chain, risking stretch or overload of the repaired UCL while it’s still healing. Therefore, shoulder external rotation ROM is contraindicated at this early stage. The other movements are typically controlled to avoid stressing the elbow graft: wrist extension motion stays distal to the elbow and can be allowed within prescribed limits, scapular mobility supports shoulder mechanics without directly loading the elbow, and any resistance or testing is guided by the surgeon’s protocol to protect the elbow.

Protecting the healing graft from valgus stress is the priority in the first week after UCL reconstruction. External rotation of the shoulder can place the arm in positions that generate valgus torque across the elbow through the kinetic chain, risking stretch or overload of the repaired UCL while it’s still healing. Therefore, shoulder external rotation ROM is contraindicated at this early stage.

The other movements are typically controlled to avoid stressing the elbow graft: wrist extension motion stays distal to the elbow and can be allowed within prescribed limits, scapular mobility supports shoulder mechanics without directly loading the elbow, and any resistance or testing is guided by the surgeon’s protocol to protect the elbow.