What is Tommy John Surgery?

Tommy John surgery (also known as Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction) is a surgical procedure used to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow—the ligament that connects the humerus bone to the ulna. The procedure was pioneered by Dr. Frank Jobe in 1974 and is named after pitcher Tommy John who underwent the surgery on his left arm.

History of Tommy John Surgery

In 1974, pitcher Tommy John was told by Dr. Frank Jobe, then the team doctor for the Los Angeles Dodgers, that he had a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left arm and would need surgery. The odds of Tommy returning to the mound after surgery were slim, but Dr. Jobe proposed a radical new procedure: transplantation of a tendon from the pitcher’s forearm to his throw arm to reconstruct the damaged ligament. Tommy John took a leap of faith, and his successful surgery made history. The procedure has since helped thousands of athletes recovering from a torn UCL in their elbow, including many Major League Baseball pitchers.

How is Tommy John Surgery Performed?

Tommy John surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure that takes between 1-2 hours. The surgery is performed under general or regional anesthesia. During the procedure, a surgeon will make an incision in the front of the elbow and remove a piece of the patient’s healthy forearm tendon. This tendon is then used to replace the damaged UCL in the elbow. The tendon is anchored around the bone by two to four screws and is sewn in place.

Tommy John surgery is a procedure that has been used to help athletes return to the field/court after suffering a UCL tear. When successful, the surgery can help athletes return to their pre-injury level of play. It is important to note that any patient undergoing the procedure should participate in strenuous physical therapy to ensure a full recovery. Recovery times can vary from patient to patient, based on the extent of the injury and the individual’s physical condition.