2. What and Why Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which is the primary medial stabilizer of the elbow The UCL is commonly injured due to repeated overhead throwing (ie: pitching) causing small tears to the ligament over time
3.
4. Research Many people suggest that it’s the type of pitches that a pitcher throws is the greatest way to determine if they will be at a greater risk for Tommy John surgery, but the results of a 2002 study show that the total number of pitches thrown is the greatest way to determine if surgery will be in the future for an MLB pitcher The study did show that throwing a curve ball has greater stress on the shoulder and a slider has greater risk for the elbow. They say that mechanics will have an effect on the elbow, but it is still the number of pitches that shows the greatest effect.
5. Surgery Tommy John surgery, also known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with another tendon from the body (often from the forearm, hamstring, knee, or foot of the patient). This surgical procedure is common among professional athletes in several sports, most commonly in baseball.
6. Signs and Symptoms pain on the medial aspect of the elbow especially during the acceleration phase of throwing, “popping” when throwing, loss of elbow ROM, and pain with possible laxity during a valgus stress test performed at 25° of flexion
7. Medicine Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the cornerstone of therapy for the control of pain that is associated with UCL injuries
9. Pitchers with Surgery A.J. Burnett Scott Fieldmen Francisco Liriano Kenny Rodgers John Smoltz Josh Johnson Kerry Wood Chris Carpenter Adam Wainwright
10. Risks of Exercise After surgery doctors have specific requirements It’s common for immobilization to be prescribed for one to two weeks post surgery Returning to sport before clearance from a doctor could result in re-injury or set backs in recovery It is necessary to follow doctors instructions on when to return to sport and be cautious of inflammation
11. Research In 2009, chances of a complete recovery after surgery are estimated to be around 85 to 92%. At the time of Tommy John's operation, his doctor put his chances at 1 in 100. After his surgery in 1974, John spent 18 months rehabilitating his arm, he returned to pitch in the major leagues for an additional thirteen seasons. Complete rehabilitation takes a little over one year for most pitchers now.
