Tom John Surgery is becoming a more common subject for pitchers to know about and consider for themselves. Tom John surgery, also known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is where the UCL in the elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body and is grafted in its place. This surgery is common among professional athletes in several sports, but most notably baseball. It is also becoming more common to see young athletes undergo the surgery even before they get into a professional standing.
Key Facts .
Tommy John can help an athlete who has torn his UCL have hopes of still being able to perform at the highest level. Only one person has been inducted into the Hall of Fame who has ever underwent Tommy John surgery, John Smoltz. In his indicatory speech he gave warning to getting the surgery. He explained that it's not a first option it's a last resort. He explains that it is not normal for 14-15 year-olds to have Tommy John Surgery. It's a bad epidemic young athletes are facing. Encouraging to take care of their arms. They don't have to throw a competitive pitch to play baseball, but that is exactly what is happening. Throwing to hard and maxing out to much. .
Certain throwing motions contribute to injuring the ulnar collateral ligament. Fast pitches and throws over and over again can, but more than less curve balls and sliders. Putting torque on the elbow and throwing to the point of over use is the major factor the UCL in the elbow tears. Without proper rest and rehab a surgery would be needed. .
15-20 Major League pitchers have undergone Tommy John surgery per year, but over the past three years that number has increased to 25-30 a year. A 2012-2013 survey of active players found 25% of Major League pitchers and 15% Minor League pitchers have undergone the surgery at some time in their careers.
A plus about the surgery is the rate of success it has had for those who want to return to throwing.