A UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) tear healing time varies widely based on severity:
- Mild to moderate UCL sprains or partial tears generally take about 4 to 8 weeks to heal with rest, ice, physical therapy, and conservative treatment.
- Mild strains may heal in 2 to 4 weeks; moderate strains or partial tears can take 4 to 8 weeks or longer.
- Severe or complete UCL tears often require surgery (Tommy John surgery), and recovery from surgery can take about 9 months to over a year for full healing and return to sport.
- Non-surgical conservative treatment success depends on injury extent and compliance; surgical UCL repair offers a less invasive option with a shorter recovery time of typically 6 to 9 months compared to reconstruction.
For thumb UCL injuries, healing can take around 4 weeks with immobilization, or 3 to 4 months if surgery is required.
In summary, mild UCL tears heal in weeks with conservative care, while complete tears needing surgery can take many months to over a year to fully recover.
