Tommy John surgery

Tommy John surgery, also known as Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in orthopedic surgery primarily used to treat an injured ulnar collateral ligament within the elbow. The surgery is named after Tommy John, a former professional baseball pitcher, who was the first person to successfully undergo this procedure in 1974.

History

The surgery was first performed by Dr. Frank Jobe, an orthopedic surgeon, on Tommy John, hence the name. Prior to this surgery, a baseball pitcher with a serious elbow injury would likely have to retire. However, Tommy John's successful return to professional baseball after his surgery paved the way for this procedure to become a viable treatment option for similar injuries.

Procedure

In Tommy John surgery, a healthy tendon extracted from an autograft site, often the forearm or hamstring of the patient, is used to replace the damaged UCL in the elbow. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision over the medial epicondyle area, then the damaged UCL is removed and the graft is passed in a figure-eight pattern through tunnels drilled in the humerus and ulna. After the graft is secured, the incision is closed.

Recovery

Recovery from Tommy John surgery typically takes about 12 to 15 months for pitchers and about 6 months for position players. The patient will need to undergo a rigorous physical therapy program to regain strength and mobility in the elbow.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks involved with Tommy John surgery. These can include infection, nerve damage, and a loss of flexibility or strength in the elbow. There is also the risk that the surgery will not be successful and the patient will not be able to return to their previous level of athletic performance.

Impact on Baseball

Tommy John surgery has had a significant impact on the sport of baseball. It has extended the careers of many pitchers who would have otherwise had to retire due to elbow injuries. However, it has also been a topic of controversy, as some believe that it is overused, especially in young athletes.