![](https://sa1s3optim.patientpop.com/assets/images/provider/photos/2771507.jpg)
Recognizing the Signs of UCL Injury: When Young Players May Need Tommy John
![Recognizing the Signs of UCL Injury: When Young Players May Need Tommy John](https://sa1s3optim.patientpop.com/assets/images/provider/photos/2774239.jpeg)
Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John had an impressive career. However, he’s remembered most often for the reconstructive surgery named after him.
Like many pitchers, Tommy John tore his medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The UCL is a collection of three bundles of tissue inside your elbow that connect the upper arm (humerus) to the ulnar bone in your lower arm.
When Tommy John played for the Dodgers, a UCL tear could be a career-ender for a pitcher or other throwing athlete. Instead, the Dodgers’ team physician, Dr. Frank Jobe, devised and performed a surgery that replaced the torn ligament with a tendon graft. After rehab, Tommy John returned to play and continued to excel.
Unfortunately, UCL tears are common injuries — even among Little League players. In fact, 27% of 845 elite high school pitchers went on to have UCL reconstruction surgery. Ulnar collateral ligament injuries are so common in young players that about 57% of UCL reconstructions in the United States are performed in kids aged 15-19.
When your young throwing athlete experiences a UCL injury, they might be a candidate for surgery. However, depending on the severity of the UCL stretch or tear, a sports medicine expert may be able to restore their elbow strength through other therapies and a rehabilitation protocol.
If the UCL is completely torn, replacement surgery is the only way to stabilize and rehab the elbow. When performed by an expert surgeon, a UCL replacement may save your child’s potential career as well as the function of their throwing arm.
As head team physician for the Houston Astros, David Lintner, MD, has a long and successful record performing Tommy John surgery in athletes of all ages. Nevertheless, he won’t recommend surgery at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Houston, Texas, unless it’s the only way for your athlete to recover their UCL function.
Has your young thrower injured their UCL? Do they need surgery? The following are some ways to tell.
Your kid heard a “pop”
The “pop” occurs as the ligament is yanked apart by the force of their throw. If your child hears a pop and is in pain, call us ASAP.
Torn UCLs can’t heal on their own. Depending on the severity of the tear, Tommy John is the only solution that can restore mobility and strength to the elbow.
Your kid’s elbow is painful and stiff
Even if they didn’t hear a popping sound during a game or throw, your child may have injured their UCL if they experience elbow pain. It’s most likely that the pain is due to a UCL injury if they experience severe pain while throwing but not at other times.
They may also have trouble bending and straightening their elbow due to inflammation-related stiffness. You might also notice that their inner elbow is swollen, red, or irritated.
When you bring your child in for a consultation, Dr. Lintner performs an extensive examination. Depending on his findings, he custom-designs therapy to heal the injury, which may include surgery.
They complain of tingling or numbness
If your child’s nerves are damaged due to trauma or irritation around the UCL, they may experience tingling or numbness in their fingers. Without a proper evaluation and treatment, they could develop lifelong nerve damage.
Tingling and numbness could also be a sign of a stress fracture. We explore all possibilities and factors involved in your child’s pain to ensure they get the treatment and rehabilitation necessary to recover their mobility.
Their grip is weak
Is your child dropping objects? Having trouble opening doors or jars? Or do they complain of feeling clumsy? A torn UCL weakens the hand, too.
When the UCL is injured or torn, it can affect your child’s throwing ability. They may not be able to throw as fast as they once did. Or, their throw is weaker than normal.
A UCL can be restored or replaced
The only way to determine whether your child could benefit from UCL replacement surgery is to consult an expert. Remember, the road back to play takes time. Dr. Lintner explains your child’s recovery protocol and timeline during your consultation.
Does your child have a UCL injury or tear that might benefit from Tommy John surgery? Contact Dr. Lintner and our team by phone or online today.
If you don’t live in the Houston area, Dr. Lintner is happy to provide a second opinion by forwarding the imaging studies of your child’s elbow and UCL to him.
You Might Also Enjoy...
![](https://sa1s3optim.patientpop.com/assets/images/provider/photos/2771507.jpg)
![Top Treatments for Tennis Elbow: From Physical Therapy to Surgery](https://sa1s3optim.patientpop.com/assets/images/provider/photos/2767478.jpeg)
Top Treatments for Tennis Elbow: From Physical Therapy to Surgery
![Top 6 Tips For Finding the Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Houston, Texas](https://sa1s3optim.patientpop.com/assets/images/provider/photos/2760631.jpeg)
Top 6 Tips For Finding the Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Houston, Texas
![What Can I Expect During Tommy John Surgery Recovery?](https://sa1s3optim.patientpop.com/assets/images/provider/photos/2757644.jpeg)
What Can I Expect During Tommy John Surgery Recovery?
![What Are Growth Plates and How Are They Affected By Youth Sports?](https://sa1s3optim.patientpop.com/assets/images/provider/photos/2751480.jpeg)
What Are Growth Plates and How Are They Affected By Youth Sports?
![Exercises and Stretches to Relieve Forearm Tightness](https://sa1s3optim.patientpop.com/assets/images/provider/photos/2744826.jpeg)