What is Tommy John Surgery? Tommy John Surgery is procedure used to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Which is in the elbow. The ligament helps stabilize your arm when throwing, lifting, or pushing. It is very common in pitchers and is named after a pitcher that had the first successful surgery in 1974.

Traditional Tommy John Surgery

In traditional Tommy John Surgery the damaged ligament is removed. A tendon from another part of the body (forearm/hamstring) and is threaded through small tunnels in the elbow bones to replace the torn ligament. After the surgery recovery usually last from 12-18 months. After all of that 90% of athletes return to their previous level of play. This surgery is known to work that’s why it is so popular and has been used since the 70’s. It has saved many athletes careers, so why change it?

Triple Tommy John Surgery

TJ3 is a little different. It is more modernized technique. It uses different tendon placement, improved surgical techniques, and offers a more predictable recovery for athletes. Athletes today are throwing harder than ever before with some pitchers averaging a 100 mph fastball. TJ3 is offering better graft durability and a reduced risk of re-injury. This surgery could be a life saver for athletes trying to get back into their top performance.

SO WHICH IS BETTER?

Many say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, but why would you not want to improve it. Yes the traditional surgery works fine but why not use the more modernized surgery. The traditional technique is outdated. With TJ3 you have a shorter recovery time, better elbow stability and a higher success rate. In the article “INTRODUCING A GAME-CHANGER: TRIPLE TOMMY JOHN SURGERY” there is nothing but benefits coming out of the surgery. it says, “The initial results are impressive, with several hundred patients benefiting from this cutting edge procedure. During the early phases of rehabilitation, the TJ3 elbows demonstrate tighter flexion, especially in positions where the ligament endures the most stress — an encouraging sign of added resilience. Players also report significantly less soreness throughout their rehab and throwing progressions, contributing to faster recoveries. Most importantly, many athletes are returning to play sooner than expected, showing that the Triple TJ is not just a surgery; it’s a game-changer that could redefine the future of elbow reconstruction in sports!” If that’s not enough the doctor who came up with the surgery is the Yankees team doctor. He understands the sport and has dedicated his life to it. If the surgery was not the real deal do you think the Yankees would trust him? TJ3 is the better UCL surgery by far.