- info@irosm.com
- 3333 West Commercial Blvd , Ste 101 Fort Lauderdale , Fl, 33309
(954) 751 6990
(954) 751 6990
A Tommy John injury is a sprain or tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on the inside of the elbow. It is most common in baseball pitchers and other throwing athletes, and it causes inner elbow pain and a loss of throwing speed and control.
At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale checks the UCL with an ultrasound scan in the office while the elbow is gently stressed. He then offers throwing rehab and, for some partial tears, PRP guided by ultrasound.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
“Tommy John syndrome” is a common name for an injury to the UCL, the main ligament on the inside of the elbow. It is named after Tommy John, the first pitcher to have UCL reconstruction surgery, which is now called Tommy John surgery. The UCL holds the elbow steady when the arm is cocked back to throw. Thousands of hard throws put huge stress on it.
Most UCL injuries build up slowly from repeated throwing. Some happen all at once with a pop. Injuries range from a sprain (grade 1) to a partial tear (grade 2) to a complete tear (grade 3).
Tingling in the small fingers can come from the ulnar nerve, which runs right next to the UCL. See cubital tunnel syndrome. Inner elbow pain without throwing is more often golfer’s elbow.
Dr. Gonzalez examines the elbow and tests the ligament. He then uses an ultrasound scan in the office to look at the UCL while he gently stresses the elbow. This shows whether the ligament is sprained, partly torn or fully torn, and whether the joint opens more than it should. An MRI may also be used. In this video, Dr. Gonzalez shows an ultrasound exam of the UCL.
Treatment depends on how badly the UCL is hurt, your position and your level of play. Options at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale may include:
A break from throwing while the ligament settles, while keeping the rest of the body fit.
Strengthening the forearm, shoulder, core and legs, then a step-by-step return-to-throwing program.
For some partial UCL tears, PRP (made from your own blood) is injected into the ligament while watching on ultrasound. The video at the top of this page explains this treatment. See PRP therapy in Fort Lauderdale.
A complete UCL tear in a throwing athlete often needs Tommy John surgery. Dr. Gonzalez will explain why and help with a referral.
Not every treatment is right for everyone, and results vary. Dr. Gonzalez will tell you at your visit which options fit you.
UCL injuries are becoming more common in young athletes. Throwing year-round, playing on several teams, and pitching while tired all add stress to the elbow. Pitch counts, rest days and an off-season from throwing help protect young arms. Read more about Tommy John elbow injuries and our sports medicine care in Fort Lauderdale.
Providing UCL and elbow injury care to baseball players and throwing athletes in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and Broward County. For our Hialeah office, se habla español.
Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990
Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale for an in-office ultrasound of your UCL and a clear plan to get back to throwing.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Tommy John (UCL) injury treatment at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale requires a clinical examination by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez to establish candidacy. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.
