Elbow
Tommy John Surgery
Tommy John surgery known in medical practice as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction. Tommy John surgery repairs an injured elbow ligament. During the procedure a doctor will take the injured UCL and replace it with a tendon from elsewhere in the patient’s body (often from the forearm, hamstring, hip, knee, or foot of the patient.)
Anyone can get a UCL injury but it is common among athletes who place repetitive stress on the elbow joint. The injury is common among collegiate and professional athletes in several sports, most notably baseball.
The surgery is named after former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John. In 1974, he underwent the first surgery of this type. The procedure was first performed in 1974 by Dr. Frank Jobe, who today serves as a Special Advisor to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and is named after former major league pitcher Tommy John, whose 288 career victories ranks seventh all time among left-handed pitchers.
elbow
Arthroscopic Debridement of the Elbow
Arthroscopy is a procedure that orthopaedic surgeons have been performing since the 1980’s. It is a very popular surgical method among orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose, treat and speed recovery from surgery.
During elbow arthroscopy, your surgeon makes a small incision in which a tiny camera called an arthroscope is inserted. The arthroscope is used to inspect, diagnose and repair the elbow joint. During the procedure the camera displays pictures on a television screen, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments to repair the problem.
The results in using the arthroscopy is less pain for patients, more movement in the joints shorter recovery time due to small incisions. Arthroscopy shortens the time it takes for patients to recover and return back to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Dr. Elkhechen may recommend elbow arthroscopy if you have already tried nonsurgical treatments without improvements. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections that can reduce inflammation.