Published on: 15-Aug-2024
UCL reconstruction is a surgery commonly used to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament inside the elbow by replacing it with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. The goal of the surgery is to stabilize the elbow, reduce or eliminate pain and restore stability and range of motion. This procedure was introduced and first performed by Frank Jobe, M.D., on baseball pitcher Tommy John in 1974—hence the colloquial name Tommy John surgery.
- Tommy John Surgery, more formally known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is used to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament inside the elbow.
- A UCL is a ligament on the inner side of your elbow that helps secure your elbow joint.
- Some people, typically athletes who play throwing sports, may experience UCL tears that may need surgical repair.
- A UCL reconstruction surgery involves harvesting a tendon from your own body, or from a donor, and attaching it to act as a new UCL.
- It may take overhead athletes more than a year or longer to return to their prior level of play after a UCL reconstruction.
- Tommy John didn’t invent this procedure—he was a baseball pitcher who was the first to undergo it and successfully return to his sport.
For More Elbow Resources Please Visit: https://www.briancolemd.com/elbow/
Related: ‘Explosion’ of Tommy John surgery, elbow injuries in young athletes ~ Tennis Elbow Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
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