Rosenhek states that once diagnosed with a Tommy John injury, a doctor performs surgery (3). Around the area of the elbow, the patient's arm is opened. Holes are inserted to house a new tendon. This process usually occurs in the humerus bone or the ulna bone in the elbow. The surgeon collects a new tendon from the body. Usually after harvesting the …show more content…
As a result, orthopedic surgeons report that parents of some young pitchers request the procedure on their un-injured athletes in the hope of enhanced performance. Most authorities believe any post-surgical increases in performance are due to the increased stability of the elbow joint as well as the pitchers’ increased attention to fitness and conditioning. Rather than allowing pitchers to gain velocity, the surgery and rehabilitation procedures usually allow pitchers to return to their pre-injury levels of performance.
In conclusion, Tommy John surgery mends a damaged elbow ligament. Orthopedic surgeons do not operate to create enhanced performance; they operate to give the athletes the use of the arm and elbow. Consequently, athletes with ulnar collateral ligament injuries need to become more informed on Tommy John surgery, its procedures, prognosis, risk factors, and