• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Howard J. Luks, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon

Howard J. Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon Sports Medicine Specialist

  • Articles
  • Notes
  • Podcast
  • Book
  • Education
    • Shoulder Injuries
    • Knee Injuries
    • Elbow Injuries
  • About
Blog / Articles / Elbow

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery and Return to Pitching

Howard J. Luks, MD Updated September 22, 2021

ulnar collateral ligament

Pitchers are more commonly injuring their ulnar collateral ligament.  Ulnar collateral ligament surgery or Tommy John surgery is becoming almost commonplace in both Major League ballplayers and high school and college players alike.   For many the surgery is successful and after 10-12 months many pitchers will return to the pitchering mound.

For the first time this past season the conversation came up about whether or not a MLB pitcher should limit his pitch count after surgery to minimize the risk of developing a recurrent tear in his ulnar collateral ligament.   For anyone who has undergone a major ligament reconstruction and the extensive rehabilitation which follows you will understand why minimizing the risk of a second injury is so critical.

ulnar collateral ligamentIt seems intuitively obvious that minimizing the pitch count following surgery would decrease the risk of re-injury.   But up until recently we did not have much research to support that theory.

A number of surgeons and researchers at Rush in Chicago recently published their findings to help guide pitchers.  In their publication  the researchers did not find that the post surgery pitch count or number of innings pitched contributed to a recurrent injury.

Now… please do not misinterpret this research.  Sadly, many players will go on to suffer a new tear and require yet a second Tommy John procedure.  Pitch counts do matter.  There is a risk of re-injury.  This paper simply states that the number of innings pitched or the number of pitches thrown did not appear to correlate with an increased risk of re-injury.

 

Categories: Elbow

Disclaimer:  this information is for your education and should not be considered medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Some links on this page may be affiliate links. Read the full disclaimer.
Longevity... Simplified: Living A Longer, Healthier Life Shouldn’t Be Complicated

My new book is available now.

“The seven simple steps to make ‘longevity simplified’, will help to improve your metabolic health right now.” – Dr. Neil Meigh

Learn More
Read Reviews

Related Articles

four men playing double tennis during daytime
Why is my little finger numb? Ulnar Nerve Compression
snapping triceps syndrome
Snapping Triceps Syndrome
woman in white shirt and white shorts playing soccer during daytime
Tennis Elbow : A Video Discussion- Should You Have That Injection?
tennis elbow treatment
Video: Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis: What Are The Current Treatment Options?
tennis elbow treatment
6 Common Reasons For Pain In The Elbow
Tennis Elbow and Cortisone
Tennis Elbow : Terminology Tuesday
Howard J. Luks, MD

Howard J. Luks, MD is an orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, he is widely known as one of the country’s best orthopedic surgeons.

Book Appointment · About · Contact

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Like what you’re reading?

Get the latest posts in your inbox

Primary Sidebar

Howard J. Luks, MD is an orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, he is widely known as one of the country’s best orthopedic surgeons.

Book Appointment · About · Contact

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Like what you’re reading?

Get the latest posts in your inbox

Longevity... Simplified: Living A Longer, Healthier Life Shouldn’t Be Complicated

My new book is available now.

Learn More
Read Reviews

Reader Favorites

  • Batters shoulder posterior labral tear
    Batter’s Shoulder : Posterior Labral Tears
  • LEg exercises improve longevity
    Runners require strength too: What to do and when to do it
  • calcific tendonitis and severe shoulder pain
    Why Does My Shoulder Hurt So Much?
  • lactate polarized training
    Lactate, the lactate shuttle, and lactate threshold workouts in polarized training
  • Zone 2 heart rate training
    Zone 2 Heart Rate Training For Longevity and Performance
  • knee swelling
    Pain In The Front Of The Knee: 6 Common Causes
  • Polarized training for runners
    Polarized training for everyday runners: Part 1
  • Exercise is more important than ever
    Does Exercise Cause Osteoarthritis?

Howard J Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
128 Ashford Avenue
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

Phone: (914)-559-1900
Book Appointment

Pages

  • About
  • Upcoming Books
  • Testimonials
  • In The News
  • Media Photos
  • Contact

Topics

  • Shoulder
  • Knee
  • Elbow
  • Metabolic Health
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Training

More

  • COVID
  • Ankle
  • Hip
  • PRP
  • Running
  • Sports Medicine
  • Articles
  • Notes
  • Podcast
  • Book
  • Education
  • About

© 2023 · Howard J Luks, MD · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This site should be used for informational purposes only.