What Is Tommy John Surgery In Baseball?

Tommy John surgery, also known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body.

Introduction

Tommy John surgery, also called ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction surgery, is a procedure that treats an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. The ulnar collateral ligament is one of four ligaments that stabilize the elbow joint. Tommy John surgery is named after former Major League pitcher Tommy John, who was the first baseball player to successfully have the procedure.

The most common symptom of a torn UCL is pain on the inside of the elbow. Pitchers will often feel pain when they throw a pitch, and the pain will often increase as the game goes on. Other symptoms can include weakness in the arm, decreased velocity in pitches, and decreased ability to control pitches.

Tommy John surgery involves taking a tendon from elsewhere in the body and using it to replace the damaged UCL. The tendon is usually taken from either the forearm or wrist area. The surgery usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete, and recovery time can vary depending on the individual. Most pitchers are able to return to pitching about 12-18 months after having Tommy John surgery.

While Tommy John surgery has become increasingly common in recent years, there are still risks associated with having the procedure. These risks include infection, nerve damage, continued pain, and stiffness in the elbow joint. In some cases, pitchers may not be able to return to pitching at all after having Tommy John surgery.

Despite these risks, many pitchers choose to have Tommy John surgery because it offers them the best chance of returning to pitching at a high level. In general, about 80-85% of pitchers who have Tommy John surgery are able to return to pitching in MLB. If you are a pitcher considering Tommy John surgery, be sure to speak with your doctor about all of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure before making a decision.

What is Tommy John Surgery?

Tommy John surgery is a type of elbow surgery that is performed to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. The surgery is named after pitcher Tommy John, who was the first player to have the surgery. The surgery is also known as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery.

The Procedure

Tommy John surgery is a procedure to replace the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. The ulnar collateral ligament is one of the four major ligaments in the elbow joint and helps to stabilize the arm. Tommy John surgery is also called ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) or simply elbow ligament replacement surgery.

The first step in Tommy John surgery is to make an incision on the inside of the elbow. The surgeon will then drill a hole in the bone and insert a tendon from another part of the body, usually from the forearm or hamstring. The tendon is then threaded through the hole and anchor it in place. This process will create a new ligament that will help to stabilize the elbow joint.

The surgery itself takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours, and patients will typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after surgery. It typically takes 4-6 weeks for patients to recover sufficiently to begin range-of-motion exercises, and 3-4 months before they can return to competitive baseball activity.

The Recovery

After the operation, the elbow is placed in a splint and the hand is placed in a sling to immobilize the arm. The splint is usually removed after two weeks. Physical therapy will be started immediately to help regain range of motion in the elbow. After four to six weeks, most patients can begin a throwing program. The goal is to return to pitching by nine to twelve months after surgery.

Why do Baseball Players Need Tommy John Surgery?

Tommy John surgery, also called ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction surgery, is a procedure in which the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. The surgery is named after former major league pitcher Tommy John, who was the first baseball player to have the operation.

Overuse Injuries

One of the most common reasons for Tommy John surgery is overuse, especially in young athletes. “Overuse” means using the same muscle group too often without giving it time to rest and recover. This can happen when an athlete:

-Throws too many pitches
-Throws too hard
-Doesn’t warm up properly
-Has poor mechanics
-Plays on multiple teams

Overuse injuries are more common in baseball pitchers because they use the same arm muscles over and over again when they throw. According to the American Sports Medicine Institute, up to 50% of all elbow injuries in young baseball pitchers are due to overuse.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

One of the most common shoulder injuries in baseball is a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm. These muscles and tendons help lift the arm. A rotator cuff tear can range from a small tear in the tendon to a complete tendon rupture. A partial rotator cuff tear may cause weakness and pain when lifting the arm. A complete tear can make it difficult to even lift the arm. Rotator cuff tears are common in baseball players because they frequently have to overhead motions with their arms.

The Risks of Tommy John Surgery

Tommy John surgery, or ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is a type of operation performed to repair a torn ligament in the elbow. The surgery is named after former Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John, who was the first player to successfully have the procedure.

Despite its success rate, Tommy John surgery comes with several risks. The most common complication is nerve damage, which can lead to numbness or tingling in the fingers. There is also a risk of infection at the site of the incision. In some cases, the reconstructed ligament may not heal properly, which may require additional surgery. Finally, there is a small risk of developing blood clots after Tommy John surgery.

The Success Rate of Tommy John Surgery

According to the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, the success rate of Tommy John surgery is approximately 85-90%. This means that out of every 100 athletes who undergo the procedure, 85-90 will return to their previous level of competition. The success rate may be even higher in professional baseball players, as they tend to be young and in peak physical condition.

Some factors that can affect the success rate of Tommy John surgery include the age of the patient, the type of injury, and the experience of the surgeon. For example, younger patients tend to have a higher success rate than older patients. In addition, pitchers who undergo Tommy John surgery for an ulnar collateral ligament injury tend to have a higher success rate than position players.

The most important factor in the success of Tommy John surgery is the experience of the surgeon. Board certified orthopedic surgeons who regularly perform Tommy John surgery have a high success rate, while surgeons who are less experienced may have a lower success rate.

Conclusion

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not to have Tommy John surgery, the general consensus is that the procedure can be very successful in helping pitchers recover from elbow injuries and return to the game. The key is to work with a skilled surgeon who has experience performing the procedure and to follow all of the recommended rehabilitation protocols afterwards. With proper care and treatment, most pitchers who have Tommy John surgery are able to return to pitching at a high level.