Tommy John surgery, also known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is a surgical procedure to repair a damaged or torn UCL in the elbow. The UCL is a strong band of tissue on the inside of the elbow that can become injured due to overuse, particularly in athletes who play sports that involve overhead throwing, such as baseball pitchers. During the surgery, a healthy tendon from another part of the body, such as the forearm or below the knee, is used to replace the damaged UCL. The procedure is named after former Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John, who was the first player to undergo the surgery in 1974.
Tommy John surgery is typically an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia and may last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. After the surgery, the elbow is secured in a brace at a 60- to 90-degree angle to protect the healing tissue. The rehabilitation protocol after a Tommy John surgery typically involves three phases, and the length of each phase will vary from patient to patient, depending on how fast the tissues are healing. The goal of the rehabilitation is to strengthen the elbow and restore range of motion, and it typically involves physical therapy exercises.
Tommy John surgery may be recommended if nonsurgical treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, and medication, do not relieve pain or if the patients lifestyle or job demands a lot of stress on the elbow. The risks and complications of the surgery include infection, nerve damag...
