To ensure that the UCL can return to functioning as the stabilizing structure of the elbow, a complete replacement is necessary. Although it can heal, it often heals in a lengthened position, resulting in a loose condition that can hinder the throwing athlete from ever returning to the type of play they were accustomed to prior to ligament injury. “Damage to the ulnar collateral ligament can occur suddenly or gradually after continued stress on the throwing athlete’s elbow,” says Dr. Schwartzberg. Before discussing Tommy John surgery in-depth, the following is background on ulnar collateral ligament tears.

Risk factors for tearing the UCL involve excessive use or repeated stress being placed on the ligament. In day-to-day activities, it’s very rare to injure the ligament. Most injuries occur in baseball because of the intense overhead motion and force used when winding up and releasing hundreds of pitches. Ultimately, the ligament becomes compromised and tears.

“Other risk factors may include contact sports where one may fall on an outstretched hand, ultimately dislocating their elbow,” says Bradd G. Burkhart, M.D., a board certified sports medicine specialist and colleague of Dr. Schwartzberg’s at Orlando Orthopaedic Center. “We also see UCL ligament tears in other overhead athletes, such as volleyball and tennis players as well. Throwing mechanics and form also contribute to risk factors of the injury.”

Symptoms of the ligament injury that may ultimately lead to Tommy John surgery and a complete ligament reconstruction include pain on the inner side of the elbow. Many athletes also note a “pop” or “tearing” sensation at the site of the injury, according to Dr. Schwartzberg. “Then swelling and bruising may be noticeable after roughly 24 hours post injury,” he says. “Athletes will also notice newfound elbow stiffness and they may feel a slight numbness or tingling in the small and ring fingers of the injured arm.”

A mild tear to the ulnar collateral ligament may heal on its own. Non-surgical treatment for the ligament tear consists of medications, ice and rest to relieve pain and swelling. Functional rehabilitation supervised by a skilled sports medicine athletic trainer or physical therapist is the most important component of non-surgical management.

Tommy John surgery is recommended to those that have sustained an acute rupture or partial tear of the UCL ligament and have failed non-surgical treatment. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia by a trained orthopaedic surgeon.

Ligament reconstruction begins with an incision on the inner part of the elbow where the damaged ligament is removed. From there, holes are drilled to accommodate the new tendon grafts, often taken from the palmaris longus tendon found in the forearm or the gracilis tendon in the leg, according to Dr. Schwartzberg. These holes are drilled in the ulna and humerus bones of the elbow precisely where the ulnar collateral ligament attaches.

“Then we place the new tendon into the sockets created in the ulna and humerus. The graft is then secured with fixation devices to allow an accelerated rehabilitation approach,” says Dr. Schwartzberg. “After one week in a splint, the throwing athlete is placed into a hinged elbow brace with no range of motion restrictions. Rehabilitation commences with progressive functional activities leading up to an interval throwing program at the four month postoperative mark.”

Potential complications of the surgery include infection, elbow range of motion loss and ulnar nerve issues. However, the rate of these complications is very small following the procedure.

“Typically we see a return to the sport of choice following surgery within 6-9 months,” says Dr. Burkhart. “Rehab can be carried out at home, but at Orlando Orthopaedic Center we recommend patients see our physical therapists to help guide their road to recovery.”

Because the graft is very strong and fixation is so secure, early range of motion and rehabilitation is safe. Physical therapy is necessary to regain strength and range of motion in the elbow following Tommy John surgery and may begin following the first several weeks of recovery.

“Although range of motion and strength about the elbow returns within a couple of months of the surgery, the throwing athlete still has a large amount of work to ready the elbow for throwing,” says Dr. Schwartzberg.

“Emphasis on the entire kinetic chain during rehabilitation is critical. The throwing motion begins with the legs, involves the trunk and then the shoulder, elbow and wrist. Core strengthening is very important and a hard working and patient athlete can end up becoming a stronger, healthier throwing athlete.”

Most patients make a complete recovery and return to normal activities with little to no change in their routine once fully healed.