Tommy John Surgery

Tommy John Surgery in Bethesda, MD

If you’re a baseball fan, or even if you aren’t, you may have heard of Tommy John surgery. Tommy John pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1970s. After suffering an injury to his elbow, he underwent experimental surgery by the Dodgers’ team physician, who performed the first-ever ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction on John. The successful operation allowed John to return to the mound, and since then, the procedure — named for its first recipient — has become a widespread method of treating overuse injuries in sports.

Most of those who require Tommy John surgery are baseball players who fray or tear their ulnar collateral ligament. Pitching and other sudden arm movements put stress on the ligament. With rest and rehabilitation, many of those who have Tommy John surgery can return to the field within a year.

Are you experiencing symptoms of an ulnar collateral ligament tear? We offer high-quality Tommy John surgery in Bethesda, Maryland. Our experienced staff has assisted many baseball players and others through the procedure to fix this injury, which can end your athletic career if left untreated. Let our friendly physicians talk to you about your treatment options and see if surgery may be the right step for you.

 

What Happens During Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction?

Symptoms of ulnar collateral ligament issues include inner elbow pain and instability of the elbow joint. Your little or ring finger may also feel numb, and you won’t get as much velocity on your throws as you did before. If you suspect you have an ulnar collateral ligament tear, we can evaluate you and determine the best treatment.

Our team will give you a physical exam, look over your medical history and take X-rays or MRIs. We may recommend options such as physical therapy to start, but many serious athletes prefer surgery that can allow them to continue their careers. The surgery uses cadaver donor tissue to replace the ligament in the medial tendon.

Why Choose OrthoBethesda for UCL Reconstruction Surgery?

At OrthoBethesda, we’ll treat you like family. We want you to feel comfortable and confident as you undergo treatment, and we’ll do our best to explain everything that will happen in advance. Our sympathetic, caring team will answer all your questions about Tommy John surgery before and after the procedure, and we’ll follow up with you to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.

Our team stands out from other orthopedic surgery providers because we care deeply about our patients. We favor trying conservative treatments first, and if you do need surgery, we can aid you with every step of the process, from preparation to post-op. We want you to heal from this frustrating condition.

Further Reading

Everything To Know About Tommy John Surgery

Top Exercises to Avoid If You Have Tennis Elbow

 

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Contact Us for More Information on Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery

We provide exceptional orthopedic treatment in both Bethesda, MD, and Arlington, VA. We take referrals from primary care physicians’ offices as well. We want to help you get through this difficult period so that you can get back out on the field as soon as possible. Contact us today at (301) 530-1010 to make an appointment.