Tommy John Surgery (UCL Reconstruction)
Tommy John Surgery (UCL Reconstruction) in Kansas City, MO
Whether you are an athlete suffering from an injury to your arm or elbow, or if you have a painful or arthritic joint, our elite team is dedicated to getting you back to an active and pain-free life.
At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, we specialize in arm and orthopedic elbow sugery. Whether it’s a sprain, fracture, or other injuries—we can help. Our team of specialists are also able to treat diseases and syndromes, such as elbow bursitis, osteoarthritis, and tennis elbow.
Expert Tommy John Surgeons in Kansas City
Elbow pain, instability, and decreased performance can be frustrating for athletes and active individuals alike. If a sports injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is preventing you from competing, working, or enjoying daily activities, Tommy John surgery may help restore strength, stability, and function. At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, our experienced orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation for UCL injuries and other elbow conditions throughout Kansas City, North Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Lenexa, and surrounding communities.
Tommy John surgery, also known as UCL reconstruction, is a procedure used to replace a torn or damaged ulnar collateral ligament on the inner side of the elbow. During surgery, the injured ligament is reconstructed using a tendon graft from another area of the body or a donor tendon.
The new tendon serves as a stabilizing ligament, helping restore elbow function and allowing patients to gradually return to sports, work, and everyday activities.
What Is a Tommy John Injury?
A Tommy John injury occurs when the ulnar collateral ligament becomes stretched, partially torn, or completely ruptured. The UCL plays a critical role in stabilizing the elbow during repetitive throwing and overhead motions. While these injuries are commonly associated with baseball pitchers, they can also affect softball players, quarterbacks, tennis players, javelin throwers, weightlifters, manual laborers, and anyone who performs repetitive arm movements.
What Causes a UCL Injury?
Most UCL injuries develop from repetitive stress placed on the elbow over time. Repeated throwing motions, poor mechanics, inadequate recovery periods, overtraining, and repetitive workplace activities can gradually weaken the ligament. In some cases, a sudden traumatic injury may cause an acute tear.
At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, our specialists carefully evaluate the cause of your injury to identify contributing factors and help prevent future elbow problems.
Signs and Symptoms of a Torn UCL
Symptoms of a UCL injury may develop gradually or occur suddenly following a specific event. Common signs include:
- Pain along the inside of the elbow
- Reduced throwing velocity or performance
- Elbow instability or weakness
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Swelling around the elbow
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- A popping sensation during activity
Early evaluation by an orthopedic specialist can help determine the severity of the injury and identify the most appropriate treatment options.
Do I Need Tommy John Surgery?
Not every UCL injury requires surgery. Many patients improve with conservative treatment, including physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, anti-inflammatory treatments, and structured rehabilitation programs designed to strengthen the muscles supporting the elbow.
However, surgery may be recommended when:
- The UCL is completely torn
- Non-surgical treatments have failed
- The patient wants to return to competitive throwing sports
- Elbow instability significantly affects daily activities or athletic performance
Our orthopedic team will work with you to determine the best treatment approach based on your injury, activity level, and recovery goals.
Recovery After Tommy John Surgery
Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the injury, surgical technique, and patient goals. Non-throwing athletes and active adults may return to most activities within approximately six months. Competitive throwing athletes often require 9 to 12 months or longer before returning to full participation, with some requiring up to 18 months of rehabilitation.
At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, we create individualized rehabilitation programs that progress through each stage of recovery, including:
- Restoring range of motion
- Rebuilding strength
- Improving shoulder and core mechanics
- Sport-specific conditioning and throwing programs
- Safe return-to-play progression
Our team works closely with each patient throughout the recovery process to ensure optimal outcomes and reduce the risk of reinjury.
Why Choose Orthopedic Health of Kansas City for Tommy John Surgery?
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive care for elbow injuries using advanced surgical techniques and evidence-based rehabilitation. We take a whole-body approach by evaluating shoulder function, core stability, biomechanics, and movement patterns that may contribute to elbow stress.
Whether your goal is returning to the mound, competing at a high level, or simply living without elbow pain, our team is committed to helping you achieve a safe and successful recovery.
Dislocated Elbow
Dislocation usually occurs when a person falls on an outstretched hand. The impact of the hand hitting the ground travels straight up the forearm to the elbow. When the hand is turned, this impact can force the elbow out of its socket. Another cause of dislocation is automobile accidents when people brace for impact.
There are two types of elbow dislocations: partial and complete. When an elbow is completely dislocated there is obvious deformation and acute pain. The bones can relocate correctly with the partial elbow dislocation, making the joint appear normal. However, partial relocation can recur over time as ligaments are stretched and torn. Even within these types of dislocations, they can be simple dislocations with no broken bones or complex with injury to bones, ligaments, muscles, and blood vessels.
Some dislocations can be treated non-surgically, but some will require orthopedic surgery and physical therapy. Our experts are your best resource for diagnosing and ultimately repairing joint problems. At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, we will treat you effeciently with state-of-the-art orthopedic care. We’ll be alongside you every step of the way—from diagnosis to orthopedic elbow surgery to therapy—and will have you moving again in no time.
Top Orthopedic Elbow Doctors in Kansas City
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, please contact Orthopedic Health of Kansas City and make an appointment with one of our Kansas City arm and elbow specialists.
Jeffrey M. Bradley, M.D.
Specializing in injuries of the Hand, Wrist & Elbow
Michael A. Boin, MD
Specializing in injuries of the Shoulder & Elbow
Erich J. Lingenfelter M.D.
Specializing in injuries of the Shoulder & Elbow
Andrew J. Taiber, M.D.
Specializing in injuries of the Hand, Wrist & Elbow
Frequently Asked Questions About Tommy John Surgery
What is Tommy John surgery?
Tommy John surgery is a reconstruction procedure used to replace a torn or damaged ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. It is commonly performed on athletes who participate in throwing sports.
What causes a UCL injury?
Most UCL injuries result from repetitive stress placed on the elbow during throwing activities. Overuse, poor mechanics, inadequate recovery time, and traumatic injuries can all contribute to ligament damage.
What are the symptoms of a torn UCL?
Common symptoms include pain on the inside of the elbow, decreased throwing performance, weakness, instability, swelling, numbness in the fingers, or a popping sensation during activity.
Is surgery always necessary for a UCL injury?
No. Many partial tears and mild injuries improve with rest, physical therapy, activity modification, and other non-surgical treatments. Surgery is generally considered when conservative treatment fails or the ligament is completely torn.
How long is recovery after Tommy John surgery?
Recovery varies by patient and activity level. Most throwing athletes require 9 to 12 months or longer before returning to competition, while non-throwing athletes and active adults may recover in approximately six months.
Why choose Orthopedic Health of Kansas City for Tommy John surgery?
Our experienced orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive diagnosis, advanced treatment options, individualized rehabilitation plans, and ongoing support throughout every stage of recovery.
Schedule an appointment with Orthopedic Health of Kansas City today to learn whether Tommy John surgery may be the right treatment option for your elbow injury.
