Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

Specializing in Tommy John Surgery

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) insufficiency of the elbow can be a debilitating injury that often prevents athletes from competing effectively. The doctors call it an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR). Also known as Tommy John surgery—named after the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who was the first to have the surgery in 1974, it is designed to restore medial stability of the elbow, enabling athletes to make a full return to their previous activities.

Many athletes who develop this condition have pain in the elbow during and after throwing activities. They may also develop numbness and tingling in the hand due to stretching of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Successful treatment of the condition should improve or eliminate these symptoms.