What You Need to Know About Internal Braces for Elbow Injuries

That sudden pop in your elbow, followed by a wave of pain, can be a deeply unsettling experience. One moment you are mid-throw or bracing for a fall, and the next you are questioning how you will get back to your normal life. You need a solution that goes beyond a temporary fix and provides lasting stability. For many elbow ligament injuries, the internal brace technique offers a remarkable way to repair what is broken, helping your body heal itself and empowering you to reclaim your active life.

No matter the reason for your elbow pain, it helps to know how this option works and what it can offer. Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center is here to deliver all of the information you need. If you think an internal brace may be right for you, do not hesitate to call us for premier orthopedic elbow care. We also offer solutions for other upper extremity needs, including arms, shoulders, and hands and wrists.

The Elbow’s Structure and Function

Think of your elbow as a powerful hinge, connecting your upper arm bone (the humerus) to the two bones in your forearm (the ulna and radius). What holds this hinge together? Strong bands of tissue called ligaments. The most well-known of these is the ulnar collateral ligament, or UCL. 

This ligament runs along the inner side of your elbow and is critical for stability, particularly during overhead motions like throwing. When these ligaments are stretched or torn, the joint can become loose, painful, and unreliable.

How an Internal Brace Works

An internal brace is a groundbreaking surgical technique that reinforces a damaged elbow ligament. A high-strength, suture-like tape is anchored to the bone on either side of your injured ligament. This tape, often made of a BioComposite material, provides immediate support. It protects the ligament as it heals, allowing you to begin moving your elbow sooner while reducing the strain on the repairing tissue. And this technology is extremely important because, when your body’s own biology heals itself, it builds lasting strength.

Conditions That May Require an Internal Brace

Several elbow conditions can benefit from internal brace treatment. Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your specific situation to determine if this approach is right for you.

UCL Injuries in Athletes

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries tend to show up in athletes who rely on frequent overhead or throwing motions, like baseball players, javelin throwers, and tennis players. This is because they often place repeated stress on the inside of the elbow, which gradually wears down the ligament over time. 

That pressure can lead to partial tearing, reduced range of motion, and ongoing discomfort. An internal brace gives the ligament added support as it heals, offering stability that may help athletes rebuild strength and return to their sport with more confidence and less downtime.

Trauma-Related Ligament Tears From Accidents or Falls

A sudden fall, hard collision, or direct blow to the arm can damage the ligaments that keep your elbow stable. These injuries are common during contact sports, bike accidents, or slip-and-fall incidents. When the elbow is forced beyond its normal range of motion, the ligaments can stretch or tear, leaving the joint weak and painful. 

In many of these trauma-related cases, internal bracing can provide much-needed reinforcement. It helps support the healing ligament while reducing the need for a full reconstruction, offering a reliable solution that restores strength and function over time.

Partial Tears That Don’t Require Full Reconstruction

Not every ligament injury is a complete rupture. When you have a partial tear, the tissue may not be fully torn, but it’s weakened enough to cause pain, swelling, or instability during movement. An internal brace can augment your existing ligament, providing the support it needs to heal properly without requiring a graft from another part of your body.

Recurrent Instability After Prior Surgery

Sometimes, an elbow may continue to feel unstable even after a previous surgery. If the joint remains loose or prone to dislocation, an internal brace can be an excellent option to add the reinforcement needed for long-term stability and peace of mind.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis, which means you go home the same day. Your surgeon makes small incisions to access the elbow joint. Once the area is prepared, the fiber tape is secured using anchors placed at both ends of the damaged ligament.

The repair site is then tested for stability and movement before the incision is closed. Many people report less post-operative discomfort than with more invasive procedures, though recovery still requires patience and dedication.

Recovery and Rehabilitation Process

Recovery usually begins with a short period of immobilization. This protects the repair and gives your body time to start the healing process. After that, physical therapy plays a major role. The goal is to regain range of motion first, followed by strengthening exercises.

Most patients begin gentle activity within a few weeks, but full return to sport or high-demand use may take a few months. Throughout the process, your care team monitors progress and helps adjust the rehab plan as needed.

Benefits of Choosing an Internal Brace

Internal brace surgery offers several advantages over traditional treatment options, making it an attractive choice for many patients with elbow ligament injuries.

• Faster Recovery Time: Most patients return to full activities within three to four months, compared to six to twelve months with traditional reconstruction surgery.
• Preservation of Natural Tissue: The procedure works with your existing ligament rather than replacing it completely, maintaining your natural elbow anatomy.
• Immediate Stability: The synthetic brace provides instant support, allowing you to begin rehabilitation sooner and with greater confidence.
• Lower Re-Injury Risk: The dual-support system of natural ligament plus internal brace creates a stronger, more resilient structure than either component alone.
• Minimally Invasive Approach: Smaller incisions mean less tissue damage, reduced scarring, and faster initial healing.

Risks and Considerations

Like any surgical procedure, internal bracing carries certain risks. These may include infection, stiffness, or irritation at the anchor sites. There’s also a chance that the ligament may not heal as expected, requiring a second procedure.

It’s also important to note that internal bracing isn’t right for everyone. Severe or complete tears may still require traditional reconstruction. Your surgeon will review your imaging, history, and symptoms before making a recommendation.

Questions About Internal Braces? Call Our Orthopaedic Center Today!

If you’re dealing with elbow pain, instability, or difficulty with activities you once enjoyed, an internal brace might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Our experienced team at the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center has helped countless patients return to active, pain-free lives using this innovative technique.

Every patient’s situation is unique, and the best way to determine if an internal brace is right for you is through a thorough evaluation with one of our orthopedic surgeons. We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, examine your elbow, and explain all of your treatment options in easy-to-understand terms. Don’t let elbow pain keep you on the sidelines of life. Contact us today and let our team help you achieve the strong, stable elbow function you deserve.