What you should know about 'Tommy John' surgery
By Mike Timberlake, Red Sox Lead Correspondent
You hear about it all the time. This pitcher or that is going in for 'Tommy John' surgery. What is it really, you may ask. All you know is that the pitcher most likely will be off your draft board for next season. Many people write off a pitcher after this procedure. If you know the truth behind it, however, you may be able to use the surgery that scares other fantasy leaguers to your advantage.
Let's face it, pitching is an unnatural act. The constant stress placed upon the arm throwing pitch after pitch is hard enough. Add to that the fact these aren't just fastballs we're talking about here. There's curves, sliders, forkballs, split-fingers, screwballs, you could go on and on. After time, though, throwing all these will take a toll on the arm. The stress is placed squarely on the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in the elbow. In some cases, it can get so bad it can cause tears and fraying in the ligament. Eventually, the pitcher will feel a dull pain in the elbow and experience decreased effectiveness in his performance. At this point, the team's physician will schedule an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and see what's going on in the elbow. Many times, the doctors will find that the MCL is torn in some fashion and it's time for 'Tommy John' surgery.
Tommy John was a 31-year-old left-handed pitcher in the major leagues for 12 seasons when he was pitching in a game in Montreal. It was July 1974 and his Dodgers were fighting it out with Cincinnati for the National League West pennant. At the time, John was a marginally successful pitcher. He had won a career high 16 games the previous season and he was on pace to win close to 20 in his current one. He had a lifetime record of 124-106 and an ERA of 2.97.
As he was throwing a fastball, his elbow exploded in pain and he knew he was finished for the season and most likely his career. Medical science was not what it was today and MRI technology did not exist. Dodgers team doctor Frank Jobe knew that the odds were against John. He offered John the chance at a revolutionary new procedure that would transplant a tendon from his wrist to his elbow. The success rate was only five percent, however, and only 80 percent of people have this particular tendon. John agreed and the doctors made history. The procedure was done by drilling two holes, one in his ulna (forearm) and another in his humerus (upper arm). They then threaded the transplanted tendon through them and fastened it by tying it off in a figure eight fashion around the bones.
John's took surgery took four hours; today it is much simpler and takes about an hour and a half. The rehabilitation took a little more than a year, no longer than today. John came back in the 1976 season and won 10 games in 31 starts. More importantly, he threw over 200 innings. The next season, he went on to win 20 games for the first time in his career while throwing over 220 innings. In 1979 and 1980, John threw more than 265 innings each season. After his surgery, John went onto a record of 164-125 and pitched 14 more seasons.
Recently, pitchers such as Kerry Wood, John Smoltz, Pat Hentgen, Kris Benson, and Darren Driefort have undergone 'Tommy John' surgery. The success rate today is roughly 80 percent. Plenty of college players and minor leaguers have undergone this procedure and couldn't make it back. Major league teams have a lot invested in their players, so they receive excellent care. Dr. Jobe today has dispensed his wisdom to other doctors, most prominently to Dr. James Andrews. Jobe himself has performed over 200 Tommy John surgeries.
The important part of the process isn't the surgery itself, it is the rehab associated with it. Players shouldn't rush back from this surgery, as it will only do them more harm and lengthen their absence from the game. The typical rehabilitation period lasts from seven months to a little over a year. During that time, the player should maintain regular exercise to keep him fit. Rehab focusing on the arm starts as soon as possible.
After the process and if it is successful, a pitcher may actually gain velocity on his fastball and his breaking pitches may act more lively as the ligament being used to throw them is practically brand new. Fantasy-wise, a player in his first year back from the surgery may experience some setbacks and not look as sharp. This can be attributed to the player being not mentally ready to come back and question his arm. Once this period passes, the pitcher should be fine. That is the unknown factor, as it is up to the player to know when he is mentally ready to come back.
I'm very proud of you, that's very nice.
I'm very proud of you, that's very nice.
Thanks, I am really trying hard to get my arm completely back to what it was before.
If you don't like that idea, you could always attend a community college for a couple of years and get in with their team and then start the recruitment process from there.
One of the problems pointed (aside of the fact that there were teens aroun 13-16 years old having this surgery -> which proves an excessive workload at that age), is that the reasoning of those teens was that they didn't mind at all to have that surgery at that age because they were sure they would be stronger and better after the surgery. This can be true (with a good rehab) but showed how wrong many people is when some of those teens (to don't say many), were proud to go through that surgery. I mean, in some cases the surgery was seen more as a way to "improve", rather than a setback or a risk. All these people always remember "taht guy had TJ and he was better, and also that other one", but almost all forget teh ones (which I believe are way more) that lost a career or even a future.
That truly is a shame, about half of those big league potential players dont even make it because they were simply overworked or never rested. As a high school pitcher it does worry me a little but not too much since I take care of my arm after games and Im a closer pretty much so I dont pitch as much as most of these true dominant high school pitchers.
Hello im 15 to and I had a pitching experience when my arm poped and then I didnt tell no-ne till after the game and I went to go to the doctor now im am goin to have to sit out 3 weeks or more and I have to get an MRI. I was wondering how you are fighting back and the stuff you are doing and the things u did before the opperation.
Thanks,
Ryan Haskell
U can email me at - [removed]
You never know for sure who you are talking to via the internet. My recommendation would be to put the ball down and consult a real professional. I know some people in here like to think they are MD's but really you never know. You might not be consistent with others recovery.
Agreed with the others see a professional.Personally I'd limit you to long toss.
LOL I got my BA from there last year.
You really have to love to throw ............then the surgery's worth it. My daughter is a freshman this year in college and playing ball. She negelect to keep up on the exercises this summer and since fall practice has started, she's having a bit of trouble now. Again, she or I would fill you in on what she's been thru.....
Good Luck!
Any other fastpitch softball girls that play shortstop have this surgery and how is it going now. I have a freshman in college that may need this.
email [removed]
Any other fastpitch softball girls that play shortstop have this surgery and how is it going now. I have a freshman in college that may need this.
email [removed]
I know, and it makes me uncomfortable.
First off welcome. Second, I cannot answer that question. Just so you know there are no real doctors on this board that I know of. Now that does not mean that someone in here isn't a doctor, but this is the internet so you never know. I know that since I have been here, this article seems to attract many people with som experience with the surgery. I would recommend looking through the post and talking to the people who have had experience with this type of injury. Welcome again and good luck with your son.
I had tommy john surgery on sept 1 2005 amd I am around 5 months through with rehab. I may be young but to all u people who love baseball its well worth it. Just dont get discouraged and give up. The rehab is hard im not going to lie to you and it only gets tougher as you go along but dont give up. Just keep working set urself a goal and strive to make that goal and be sure not to rush anything this takes time.
broken radial head and torn ucl 2/2007. 8 wks of therapy has given pretty good ROM but I have no strength at all when arm is outstretched. Pinky and ring finger also affected. Dr. says ucl didn't heal properly after a 2nd MRI last week and now I'm lined up for Tommy John surgery. I didn't see any non-athlete comments on this surgery and was just curious because I can't believe I'm the only one. Any comments or suggestions?
How much stress is put on the elbow in pole vaulting? I really have no idea, since I've never tried it. What I can tell you is that the recovery time is totally dependent on how much stress is put on that joint. For example, if a guy that plays 1B has the surgery, his recovery time can be as little as 6 - 8 months. He doesn't throw much, and swinging a bat does not put a lot of stress on that joint. A pitcher, though, takes 18 months. His normal activity puts stress on that joint.
I am guessing with pole vaulting that you do put quite a bit of stress on that joint regularly. If that's the case, expect a very long road to recovery. You can make up your own mind whether a surgery and 18 months of rehab is worth pole vaulting again.
Any time your body does not respond normally, you should be concerned. Talk to your trainer and head to the doc. We are not docs, but you can only compound your issue by guessing and posting on random internet forums.
Let me know if you need an agent. I am looking to quit my job and do something else.
I 20 years old and i just had "Tommy John" surgery about two months ago may 3rd was the date i play college ball and iam a pitcher we play are first game of next season the middle of febuary what do i need to do to make my self ready to pitch at the college level.
Thanks/ ADRIAN
my name is James Jeffers and I recently had Tommy John surgery and I live in a pretty small town in Texas. I am currently a Junior in high school, and I had the surgery done after my sophmore season. school has just started and I have until mid febuary to get back to the game, as well as pitching.The rehab center here is terrible and I don't have the money to pay for it. Both my parents are passed away, my only passion is the game of baseball. I need to go to college or even try to move on after that, before the injury as a sophmore I was in the 85 to 88 M.P.H. Also I do hit my spots. I also throw a curve,nasty slider,and the Jaime Moyer change.all of those pretty effectivly. I do know that there are other people out there that can do the same if not better. But know that I belong in the game.Ihavent had the money to play select ball to get my name out so please can you send me a rehab write up, I do have a membership at a gym, my baseball coach got it for me. Thank You, James Jeffers
I'm seventeen years old and a senior in high school. I had tommy john surgery this summer on July 25.I started throwing 2 months after i had the surgery. Should there be any pain in my arm when I throw???I'm only throwing about twenty feet starting out but I need some input??Thank you, Jim Shelton
first off, the tommy john surgery is done on the ulnar collateral ligament, not the medial. the ulnar ligament is on the inside part of the elbow, thus the nasty 6 inch scar placed there. and to cale shelton, im two months into my rehab and im sarting to do the light toss same as you, no pain for me, but it is different for everyone else. i asked my dr about this, who happens to be chris jobe, the son of frank jobe who invented the surgery. lucky me huh. anyways, if your having pain right now, it would be my advice to stop throwing until the four or five month mark. this is when most people start coming back. i also saw dr yocum, who is the angels dr. he is the one who did tj on percival, and that is what he told me. percival also went to thecollege where i go, so i got to talk to him. he said there is going to be pain until you get back to 100%. if you guys have any more questions, i would suggest contacting the kerlan jobe clinic in LA. its where all the great guys work. they have a site on the web. later and good luck to those fighting to come back.
My son is an 18 year old pitcher in the Reds organization,currently in instructional league. He was a decent draft pick and just this past week after an MRI with the dye being shot into his elbow he was diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament. At this time they are saying that it is our option to either have the "Tommy John" surgery or go through a re-hab program throughout the rest of the fall and winter and see if the re-hab works. And if it does not work we will know in spring training and at that point we could proceed with the surgery.
My questions are: Does re-hab ever prove to be a long term answer for this problem? And does re-hab provide a 100% cure for this or is it just a band aid?
I am 14 years old and recently suffered an avulsion fracture of my right elbow from pitching. I have not been able to throw for the past 3 months and have lost approx. 15 degrees of extension in my right arm. I hope my arm heals enough so that I am able to play High School Baseball.
I am an 18 year old freshman at Nihcols College and i am starting my rehab for tommy john surgery i had 4 months ago. I am very nervous about the throwing program and feel i should be doing more. Can you recomend any programs that the Pro's have useed.
Thank-you
John
I am an 18 year old freshman at Saddleback College. I been having this pain in my elbow. I had it since i was a freshman in high school do you think that i should have Tommy John surgery if you could email me in the next week that would really help. Thank You Very Much
I am an 18 year old freshman at Saddleback College. I been having this pain in my elbow. I had it since i was a freshman in high school do you think that i should have Tommy John surgery if you could email me in the next week that would really help. Thank You Very Much
Hey, I'm 20 years old and i had my surgery about 7 months ago...i'm coming along well in my rehab, i had a great surgeon, great therapists, and an excellent pitching coach...im bout 2-3 months into my throing program and i'm already popping 83-84 mph...i just wanted to know...should i be experiencing these sharp pains in my bicept when i move my arm too quickly?... i never had any problems in my bicept...i dont quite understand what it is...hopefully someone knows somethin bout that...THANKS BUD!
I had tommy john surgery 10-16-02. I have full range of motion back now, but my strength is done. I need an expert rehab program, all the physical therapy facilities in my area are unfamiliar with the proper rehab program for this injury. Please email me a rehab program.
I had tommy john surgery 10-16-02. I have full range of motion back now, but my strength is done. I need an expert rehab program, all the physical therapy facilities in my area are unfamiliar with the proper rehab program for this injury. Please email me a rehab program.
my brother has been recommended for tj surgery by dr yocum. this was his second opinion after seeing a local doctor. my mom contacted his local doctor about the results dr yocum gave him and he was very adamant that the kerlan jobe clinic in l.a. was mostly motivated by money, and that he has never gave him any indication of needing surgery.(maybe just a bit of tendonitis) this dr was a us ski team dr and is renowned in our area as an excellant surgeon. help.
my 16 year old daughter was just recently told she may need tj surgery. she's played travel ball for the last four years and is devastated at the thought of surgery because that would mean she would miss her senior year of softball. are there any girls out there who've had this surgery? if so please tell us about your experience and what advice do you have for her?
for the young man who said it was the ulnar collateral ligament and not the medial collateral ligament, he and others should know that these terms are synonymous. the ulnar collateral ligament is on the inside, or medial, portion of the elbow, when the arms are at one's side, with palms facing forward. these terms are used interchangeably by orthopaedic surgeons, so you were both right.
After reading a few articles here in this chat I thought it would be a great idea for me to add a little somthing. This is for all of you who may have some unanswered questions. Feel free to write back. I am a junior at montlcair state in New Jersey and I had TJ surgery about 2 years ago. I am healed I guess or so they say but it doesnt feel right. I dont believe it ever will. There will always be pain and discomfort, but "soreness is ur friend." you must learn to work through soreness. Pain is a different story. My elbow feels great but its my forearm,bicep and shoulder that give me problems now. My doctor told me that rehab was soo important and not to neglect my shoulder. Follow those words. Ur elbow will heal and feel great in time but ur shoulder is ever soo important. Well, feel free to email and ask any questions. I knwo how u all feel about this decision and trust I have been there. Ask away. take care and good luck. think positive and be strong.
I had Tommy John surgery September 20th of last year and it is now middle of febuary and I feel real good. I throw about three to four times a week and I haven't been sore the next day yet. A big part of that I think is icing and steming at the same time, and variation in throwing by not doing the same protocal every other day. Sometimes I will do really short throws with just my elbow extension before I start throwing or maybe go a little bit farther then normal and just try to get it there. I do believe excise plays a big part in my comback. A long run with variation in speed and incline on the tredmil is probably my favorite start before lifting weights. I have notice it helps to strenghten legs for the longer throws. I am excited to get back on the bump and hope to have somethin extra on my ball by end of summer.
My name is Jonathan Burton and i am 21 years old.I am a senior pitcher in college at Trevecca University in Nashville, TN where i am a starting pitcher. I undewent Tommy John Surgery on August 15th, 2002, forcing me to take a medical redshirt my senior year. I began my throwing program at the end of January and i am now on my fifth phase and i am running into a little trouble.(The phase is 20 throws to 90 ft then 20 long tosses to 110 ft.) What should i do, should i back it up to the previous phase and work slower? I know it is expected to have this trouble, but i am having more pain in the back of my elbow, than i am where my scar is. It continues to pop in the back and i cannot understand why, is this normal?. Do you feel that this is due to them having to move my nerve and my elbow just getting back to being used that way?I would really appreciate your comment about this and any other input that you may be willing to give about weight training or throwing. Thanks
my name is josh henriksen,i am 22 years old and i am in the army.i just underwent tommy john surgery in january.i pitched consistantly throughout high school and college but blew-out my elbow playing traveling ball in pheonix when i was 20.at the time i elected to undergo re-hab instead of surgery.things were o.k. but i lost the "edge" of my pitches.fatigue and velocity went down and my elbow would swell a little after games.so now 2 years later i figured i should get it fixed so i can hopefully play again when i get out of the army.the ligament reconstruction went great but the problem now is my ulnar nerve is pinched or damaged.my little finger and half of my ring finger is numb and i cant straighten them completely out.is this something that is sort of common or does this never happen?will my hand ever get back to normal again?also, i dont really have a great re-hab program,can i still re-hab my elbow with my hand like this?i would really appreciate your comments to this.thanks
My, name is Jared...Im 19 years old from Boston. I am a lefty pitcher in College, I have had continuous problems each year w/ my elbow, I have been diagnosed with a slightly torn ligament a couple years ago. I went through a season of rehab which got me back throwing by the summer, but it has been a continuous problem of keeping my arm healthy and it seems like it gets worse each year. I was wondering if another MRI would be a good idea and if Tommy John surgery would be a idea to consider? As far as rehab, I have the determination to do what I need to finally get back to throwing w/ 100% strength. Thank You
My daughter is a 17 year old competitive level 10 gymnast. She is going to have the tommy john surgery
next week. How long will it take for her to get back in the gym. Will she ever be able to do bars again! This is
a big deal to her and us. She will be looked at by many colleges for a scholarship. She is a junior right now
and competion will start up again in Jan
2004. will she be able to compete again!
We would like to have any information about any other gymnast that has had
this surgery.
thanks
im an 18 yr. old senior in the middle of my season right now, i have been having pain on the inside of my elbow for about 2 or 3 months now and it hasnt gone away. i cant tell if it is either muscle, tendons, or what. i dont want to think about surgery right now with summer ball coming up and the chance of putting my scholarship for next year in jeopardy. give me some input, thanks.
i've been in a free fantasy baseball fun free tournament with 12 of my buddys.we keep our own stats,we switch off and score an oponets stats.and of course they are all double checked.it's all about bragging rights.my ? is, i have not broke top 5 yet,istudy stats my wife yells at me cause i spend more time getting picks and scoring sheets then i do hanging out with her,can you possibly help me with picks july 7-13th,cause i'm going on vacation today and coming back sunday night and the old lady won't let me look at any games or stats until we get home.you would really be helping me out,i'd like to come back and smoke my bro's.
signed, i would be grateful for life and tell nobody but tell everyone about your webite:)
Blew my arm out last summer playing in Twilight League did year of rehab did not cut it constatly swelled up and was swolllen I am a avid weight lifter having the surgery in August when do you think I can throw the weights around again Thanks I will update you once surgery is done
A friend's daughter is facing surgery on the lateral aspect of her elbow. They say it's like the Tommy John but the family can't find anyone who's done it on the lateral aspect of the elbow. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I HAD TOMMY JOHN SURGERY MARCH 4TH OF 2004. EXCELLENT SURGEON IN CT IM FROM NEW YORK AND THERAPY BY HEALTH SOUTH HAS BEEN GREAT SO FAR. I START THROWING NEXT WEEK ON A 14 POINT THROWING PROGRAM. AND THEN GET PROMOTED TO A 14 POINT MOUND THROWING PROGRAM. WHEN LOOKING TO GET BACK TO TRYOUT IN FEB OR MARCH OF NEXT YEAR.. ANYONE KNOW OF ANY TRYOUTS FOR TEAMS?
I HAD TOMMY JOHN SURGERY MARCH 4TH OF 2004. EXCELLENT SURGEON IN CT IM FROM NEW YORK AND THERAPY BY HEALTH SOUTH HAS BEEN GREAT SO FAR. I START THROWING NEXT WEEK ON A 14 POINT THROWING PROGRAM. AND THEN GET PROMOTED TO A 14 POINT MOUND THROWING PROGRAM. WHEN LOOKING TO GET BACK TO TRYOUT IN FEB OR MARCH OF NEXT YEAR.. ANYONE KNOW OF ANY TRYOUTS FOR TEAMS?
My 18 year old son underwent Tommy John Surgery two years ago and has recovered enough to play shortstop but experiences elbow pain within two innings of pitching. The ulner nerve was relocated during the operation. My question is how much pain is normal during rehab??? I suspect that we have been over cautious resulting in insufficient rehab. This may have resulted in the buildup of additional scar tissue which is now giving him the problem. Any suggestions of how to proceed??? 85% success ratio for Tommy John surgery with many stories on the internet. How about stories of the other 15% that has experienced difficulty in returning to full time pitching duty???
the best surgeon in connecticut is Dr. Redler out of Fairfield ct did my research he does about 7 a year. if you need to knwo anythign email me at [removed]