These often include: 10
- Take your pain medication, usually an opioid followed by an NSAID, as instructed.
- Ice your arm for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times a day to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Resume your normal diet as tolerated.
- Follow-up with your physical therapist and surgeon (usually within a few days to a week after your surgery).
Full Answer
What is Tommy John surgery and who needs it?
The rehabilitation protocol after a Tommy John surgery typically involves three phases. The length of each phase will vary from patient to patient, depending on how fast the tissues are healing. Right after the surgery, the elbow is secured in a brace at a 60- to 90-degree angle. The goal is to protect the healing tissue and reduce inflammation.
What is the rehabilitation protocol after a Tommy John surgery?
It is most commonly performed after an overhead throwing athlete sustains a high-grade injury to the UCL. A tendon graft from the patient’s forearm or hamstring muscle is used to replace the damaged ligament. This provides a new, strong ligament that can allow a full return to throwing.
How do you treat Tommy John’s disease?
Locations Providing Tommy John Surgery. Note that Tommy John Surgery may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit. Filter the Locations. Region Any Region Central Arkansas Northeast Arkansas Northwest Arkansas Southeast Arkansas ...
How long does it take to recover from Tommy John surgery?
Phase Three Phase three is weeks nine through 13. This period aims to get back a broader range of movement and function in the arm. Focus on flexibility. Start new exercises. Begin a more intensive muscular exercise program at 12 weeks and emphasize proper throwing mechanics.
What is the rehab for Tommy John surgery?
Can Tommy John be treated non surgically?
Are there alternatives to Tommy John?
Can you still pitch after Tommy John surgery?
Can UCL tear heal on its own?
Does PRP work for UCL tear?
Is your UCL stronger after surgery?
The UCL repair boasts a very high return to play rate. Athletes will find themselves pitching and throwing faster than they were capable of in the past. The added support reduces the stress of overhead throwing due to the aggressive rehab program mentioned above.
How long does it take to recover from a thumb ligament surgery?
How long does it take to recover from UCL surgery?
How much does Tommy John surgery cost?
How long does the Tommy John surgery take?
Do you lose velocity after Tommy John surgery?
What is Tommy John surgery?
Tommy John surgery is the reconstruction of the ulnar (medial) collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow. It is most commonly performed after an overh...
How do I know if I tore a ligament in my elbow?
Most athletes will experience pain to the inside (medial) part of their elbow while throwing, along with loss of velocity and accuracy. This pain i...
Who is a good candidate for Tommy John surgery?
Any healthy, overhead-throwing athlete with a high-grade injury to the UCL of the elbow and who wishes to return to competition is a good candidate...
How does Tommy John surgery work?
Tommy John surgery begins with harvesting the tendon that will become the new ligament. This is obtained from either an extra tendon in the patient...
How long does Tommy John surgery take?
Tommy John surgery typically takes about 45 minutes to perform. It can sometimes take longer if there are other injuries that need to be addressed...
What are the potential risks of Tommy John surgery?
Luckily, the risks of Tommy John surgery are very low, though there are some important ones to consider. The ulnar nerve is close to the surgical s...
How long until you can return to sports after Tommy John surgery?
Return to competition largely depends on the sport and position played by the athlete. Most athletes begin a throwing program by five months after...
What is the success rate of Tommy John surgery?
Tommy John surgery is very reliable and has a success rate of over 90%. The docking technique for Tommy John surgery was developed at HSS by Dr. Da...
Do you throw faster after Tommy John surgery?
Some players do throw faster after Tommy John surgery. This is often credited to the physical therapy to strengthen the arm and the fact that the a...
Can you strengthen your UCL?
There is some emerging research that suggests the ulnar collateral ligament can thicken from throwing and exercise. We are still learning the appro...
What is Tommy John surgery?
Tommy John surgery involves replacing a damaged ligament in the elbow, called the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) , with a tendon from somewhere else in the patient's body or from a deceased donor. The ulnar collateral ligament is a thick band of tissue similar to a very strong rubber band.
How long does Tommy John surgery take?
This tube is connected to a ventilator which helps your lungs breathe during surgery. An open Tommy John surgery takes around 60 to 90 minutes and proceeds in the general fashion: 4. Harvesting: The surgeon will make an incision in your forearm, back of your thigh, knee, or foot in order to remove a piece of tendon.
What to wear to surgery?
What to Wear. On the day of your surgery, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, including a large shirt without buttons or zippers that you can pull on and off easily. Avoid wearing makeup, lotions, deodorant, perfume, or cologne. Leave all valuables, including jewelry, at home.
What is an IV line?
A nurse will review your medication list, record your vitals, and place an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your arm. This IV will be also used for administering fluids and other medications during and after surgery. Your surgeon will then come to greet you and review the specifics of the operation.
What is the purpose of the UCL?
It works to stabilize and strengthen the elbow and can be injured by tearing, stretching, and dislocation. UCL injuries most commonly occur among athletes who engage in repetitive throwing or overhead motions such as baseball pitchers, javelin throwers, and volleyball and tennis players. David Ellis / Getty Images.
Blog posts
Keep their elbow out of the OR Only a few weeks into the 2015 MLB preseason and players have already succumbed to ulnar collateral ligament
In the news
In a new study, researchers found that there are no statistically significant effects of using a mound, flat ground or distance variation on arm speed or shoulder rotation in high school pitchers.
What are the advantages of Tommy John surgery?
For many athletes who experience UCL tears , the most significant advantage of Tommy John Surgery is the ability to get back in the game. Just as the surgery worked and extended Tommy John’s baseball career, it can also help other athletes continue their sports careers if they follow their doctor’s advice, practice physical therapy and avoid rushing recovery.
How long does it take to recover from Tommy John surgery?
Some places say athletes should wait six to nine months before returning to competitive throwing and nine months to a year before actually competing again.
Who is Tommy John?
Thomas Edward John, better known to people as Tommy John, was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was born on September 6, 1943, in Indiana and attended high school there. His dad was his only coach before he turned 16, and he made his Major League Baseball debut on September 6, 1963, at just 20 years old.
What teams did Tommy John play for?
From 1963 to his retirement 26 years later in 1989, Tommy John played for various Major League Baseball teams — the Indians, the White Sox, the LA Dodgers, the Yankees, the California Angels, the Oakland Athletics and back to the Yankees before retiring.
When did Tommy John start pitching?
He was back in spring training with the Dodgers in 1975 but wasn’t pitching just yet. Tommy John started pitching full-time again for the Dodgers in 1976 and went on to play in the World Series multiple times.
Who was the first person to have Tommy John surgery?
Tommy John Surgery is named after none other than Tommy John himself, the famous Major League Baseball pitcher who was the first person to undergo surgery for a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
How many Tommy John surgeries were performed in 2014?
Just five years ago, in 2014, 19 Tommy John surgeries were performed by May, before the season even reached the halfway mark. Today’s sports world is putting more pressure on children than before, and it’s showing through bodily injuries. From 2007 to 2011, Tommy John Surgery performed on 15- to 19-year-old players increased nine percent.
Frequently Asked Questions
This surgery is typically performed on pitchers after they tear or rupture their UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) and need a reconstruction.
Pitching and Children
Elbow and shoulder pain while pitching aren’t common in kids. If your child is in pain, see a doctor.
Common Myths
No. Optimistically, you will return to your previous level of performance and competition (as do 70-80% of players who follow rehab protocols).
Recovery
The first step in your recovery will be an immobilizing brace. This will lock your elbow in place and give your new UCL time to heal. After a week or two, you might be moved into a hinged brace. These braces lock at a specific angle but can be adjusted for the best post-operative position.
What is Tommy John surgery?
Tommy John surgery, also known as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCL), is a procedure done to help treat an injured elbow ligament. Some background about the name, this procedure was titled after former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John, who was the first patient to ever undergo this type of surgery back in 1974.
Why does my pinky feel numb?
Irritation with the “funny bone” also known as the ulnar nerve which usually causes a tingling or numbing sensation in the pinky or ring fingers. Increased stiffness when trying to fully straighten the arm. Swelling on the inside of the arm and/or the elbow region. Bruising formations over the injured site.
What does it mean when your elbow hurts?
Pain inside of the elbow. A feeling of looseness or instability in the elbow. Decreased ability to throw or perform normal ranges of motions. Irritation with the “funny bone” also known as the ulnar nerve which usually causes a tingling or numbing sensation in the pinky or ring fingers.
Where is the UCL located?
The ulnar collateral ligament is located on the inner part of the elbow and it is responsible for connecting the upper part of the arm, known as the humerus, and the ulna bone in the forearm. Commonly, Tommy John injuries develop from repetitive motions that place great stress on the UCL.
What is Tommy John surgery?
Tommy John surgery is medically known as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. It’s a procedure that repairs torn ligaments inside the elbow. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is located inside the elbow and plays a role in securing the elbow joint.
How long does Tommy John surgery take?
Tommy John surgery is a non-intrusive procedure that takes less than two hours to complete. It’s done under general anesthesia and leaves just a small scar. You should exercise a lot of caution after the surgery to avoid causing further damage. Work closely with a physical therapist to fully rehabilitate your elbow.
Can Tommy John surgery cause infection?
Just like with other types of surgeries, the Tommy John surgery can lead to infection or complications. They arise from the anesthesia or the replacement tendon. The new ligament, if not well fixed, can also stretch and tear. Sometimes, the ulnar nerve will be irritated by the surgery.
What causes a tear in the elbow?
These include baseball, tennis, cheerleading, gymnastics, javelin throwing, and wrestling among others. The continued motions of throwing and twisting can bend the elbow and stress the ligament. Prolonged trauma can lead to tiny or large tears of the ligament.
Why does my UCL tear?
In rare situations, UCL tears will interfere with non-throwing activities like exercising, weight lifting, and running. Common causes of UCL include stress arising from repeated throwing motions. This causes the fibers in the UCL to fray, weaken, and stretch.
How long does a syringe last?
It lasts between sixty and ninety minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. Before the surgery, your physician will recommend that you take a rest for some time. Some rehabilitation exercises will also be necessary to improve posture, throwing techniques, and strength.
What bone is attached to the UCL?
As such, the surgeon drills holes in the two bones attached to the UCL. These are the humerus and the ulna, which are the upper arm bone and lower arm bone, respectively.
What is Tommy John's surgery?
The surgical procedure is named for the iconic baseball player, then Los Angeles Dodger Tommy John. In this procedure – a surgical graft procedure – the ulnar collateral ligament is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body (often from the forearm, hamstring, hip, knee, or foot of the patient).
When was Tommy John surgery performed?
Frank Jobe and first performed on the iconic baseball pitcher Tommy John in 1974.
What is the UCL injury?
The UCL injury was the result of repetitive motion, i.e., throwing a baseball. After two years the player performance significantly diminished. Below we are going to show you the evidence that these surgeries, in many cases, does not succeed because another tissue was damaged.
What is prolotherapy injection?
Prolotherapy is a nonsurgical regenerative injection technique that introduces small amounts of an irritant solution to the site of painful and degenerated tendon insertions (entheses), joints, ligaments, and in adjacent joint spaces during several treatment sessions to promote the growth of normal cells and tissues. Irritant solutions most often contain dextrose (d-glucose), a natural form of glucose normally found in the body. In severe cases, autologous cellular solutions may also be needed, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow, or adipose tissue (stem cell treatments)
Can you play baseball without a UCL?
If you have a complete rupture or “ disintegration” of the UCL in your elbow , and you are going to continue to play baseball, surgery is likely the way back. However, you can pitch without a UCL.
Overview
Treatment
- For some patients, the surgery isnt performed to allow them to continue to perform as an athlete, but to alleviate the symptoms of the injurymostly elbow pain and numbness in the hand of the affected arm. The Tommy John surgery is performed under general anesthesia by an orthopedic surgeon. Once the patient is intubated and anesthesia has taken ful...
Pathophysiology
- The ulnar collateral ligament is a thick band of tissue similar to a very strong rubber band. It works with the lateral collateral ligament to stabilize and strengthen the elbow. The ligament can be injured by tearing, stretching and dislocation. Overuse injuries, where the ligament becomes damaged by repetitive movement, are among the most common types of ulnar collateral ligame…
Facts
- Tommy John was a professional pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1974 he damaged his ulnar collateral ligament, which was considered to be a career-ending injury for a professional pitcher. John, however, elected to have a procedure that was experimental at the time, replacing the injured ligament with a tendon from his other arm.
Later career
- With low expectations that he would ever be able to pitch again, Tommy John consented to have Dr. Frank Jobe perform the procedure. He then took the remainder of the 1974 and then the 1975 baseball season off to rehabilitate his arm. The end result was revolutionaryJohn pitched professionally until 1989and the procedure is now commonly known as Tommy John surgery.
Risks
- In addition to the standard risks of surgery and the risks of anesthesia, Tommy John surgery presents unique challenges for the patient. For some, neuropathy, or a lack of nerve impulses, can leave the affected hand numb, tingling and/or weak. This condition may improve over time or may be a permanent complication of the original injury. For some patients, a lack of flexibility is nota…
Results
- Many recreational athletes feel that they are stronger than they were prior to surgery, as they were babying the arm in response to pain. The vast majority make a complete recovery and are able to return to their normal activities.