1. Tommy Johns Paves the Way
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy Johns made it possible for other athletes, who otherwise would have to hang up their jerseys, to continue their careers as professionals. In 1974, Dr. Frank Jobe and Tommy Johns made history with the first ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction surgery where Dr. Jobe did the surgery to replace the ligament in his elbow with a tendon from his forearm. This surgery saved Johns' career and gave other professional athletes hope to continue theirs after injury.
2. How is it Done?
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction surgery requires a tendon from the patients forearm, hamstring and back of the knee or foot. The surgeon drills holes in the ulna, humerus and elbow joint. After the surgeon removes the tendon, she weaves it through the holes in the bones. Damage to the ulner nerve is a possible result of this surgery in about a quarter of the cases. The surgeon must take precautions to not cause any nerve damage.
3. Back on the Mound
The recovery time is long and the rehabilitation is intense following ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. Athletes who have Tommy Johns surgery should expect to be in a posterior splint for at least a week or two. Depending on your recovery, your surgeon may allow you to wear an elbow brace. A physical therapy program usually starts after six weeks and then progresses to throwing exercises after three or four months. A pitcher will take about nine months to get his full throwing motion back. It takes most athletes a year or more to return to the mound.
4. Athletes Risk Nerve Damage
Most patients recover from the Tommy Johns surgery with flying colors. As with any surgery, there are risks; however, the most common risk factors with the ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery are cutaneous nerve injury and ulnar nerve neuropathies.
5. Little Elbows Hurt Too
Injury to the elbow doesn't discriminate on age. Little League elbow occurs in children who are usually between 10 and 15. With the younger baseball teams traveling and playing in more tournaments, young pitchers put more demand on their throwing arms. Since children have open growth plates, the risk of injury is greater than in adult pitchers. However, it may not require reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament.
