The Benefits of Getting Tommy John Surgery in San Francisco
Tommy John surgery has helped countless athletes relieve persistent elbow pain and return to playing the sport they love. This article explains the benefits of this surgery for athletes who throw or swing their arms and where to find the best orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco who is highly skilled in performing it.
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Tommy John surgery, also known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is a beacon of hope for athletes — particularly those whose careers are threatened by elbow injuries.
Injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament are common among athletes who perform high-velocity throwing motions during competitive sports like football, baseball, and tennis. Remarkably, the success rate of Tommy John surgery is impressive, with over 80% of athletes returning to their pre-injury level of performance, and many even exceeding their prior capabilities.
Tommy John surgery can not only help athletes get back to the game they love but can also help extend their athletic careers. Read on to learn more about the benefits of Tommy John surgery and why it's considered a game-changer for San Francisco athletes looking to reclaim their peak performance after an elbow injury.
What are the Benefits of Getting Tommy John Surgery?
The Tommy John procedure is more than just a path to recovery — it's a gateway to new possibilities for athletes who have faced the daunting prospect of a career-ending injury. Some of the biggest benefits of getting this procedure are:
Pain Relief from Elbow Injury
One of the most immediate benefits of the Tommy John procedure is the alleviation of pain that stems from an elbow injury. Before the procedure, people often experience significant discomfort in the elbow region, especially after movement. This can severely limit their ability to play their sport effectively and be productive in daily life.
This surgery addresses the damaged ulnar collateral ligament by replacing it with a tendon graft. Patients typically report a substantial reduction in elbow pain as the recovery process unfolds and the graft strengthens.
Increased Range of Motion in the Arm
Another critical benefit of Tommy John surgery is the restoration, and often improvement, of the arm's range of motion. An elbow injury can cause stiffness and limit the ability to fully extend or flex the arm, which is detrimental to any athlete's performance. After surgery and subsequent physical therapy, many athletes find that they can achieve a range of motion just as good or better than their pre-injury state.
Improved Elbow Stability
During Tommy John surgery, the reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament with a tendon graft creates a new ligamentous structure that is often stronger and more resilient than the damaged original. This new stability is crucial for athletes who rely on their elbows to absorb and exert tremendous force, particularly in sports like baseball, where pitching can exert high stress on the elbow.
A Longer Athletic Career
One of the most significant benefits of Tommy John surgery is the potential for an extended athletic career. Before the advent of this procedure, a torn ulnar collateral ligament was frequently a career-ending injury for many athletes. However, with the high success rates of Tommy John surgery, athletes cannot only return to their sport but often continue to play at a competitive level for many years.
What Are the Alternatives to Tommy John Surgery?
Alternatives to Tommy John surgery are available for those seeking less invasive options or for cases where the UCL injury is less severe. These alternatives include:
Primary Repair: This procedure involves repairing the damaged UCL, but it is not as extensive as Tommy John surgery, which completely replaces the ligament with a tendon graft.
UCL Repair with Internal Brace: This technique involves repairing the existing ligament and reinforcing it with collagen-coated fiber tape. It is less invasive than traditional Tommy John surgery and can be suitable for some athletes with a minor UCL injury.
Regenerative Medicine Techniques: These include procedures like Prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and stem cell therapy. They aim to promote the body's natural healing process and strengthen the ligament without surgical reconstruction.
Focused Rehabilitation: A structured rehabilitation program may be enough for less severe injuries or athletes who are not candidates for surgery. This program can include physical therapy methods like electric stimulation, mobilization, massage, ultrasound, laser therapy, and strength and conditioning exercises to support healing and prevent further injury.
It's important to note that being a candidate for these alternatives depends on the severity of your UCL injury and your recovery goals. Choosing a less invasive technique may not be enough to get you back to peak performance if you’re a competitive athlete.
Where to Find the Best Tommy John Surgeon in San Francisco
Deciding if Tommy John surgery is right for you is a decision that can only be made with the help of a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon who specializes in UCL injuries.
Dr. James Chen is an expert in orthopedic surgery, including the Tommy John procedure. He leads a highly skilled team that delivers top-tier surgical services with state-of-the-art technology and orthopedic surgery techniques linked with the fastest recovery rates and minimal pain. Because of their patient-first approach, they are recognized as San Francisco’s leading orthopedic clinic and have a track record for top-rated successful surgical outcomes in the Bay Area.
Ready to see if Tommy John surgery in San Francisco is right for you?
