Do you have a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in your elbow? This injury can often cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, weakness, or a popping sensation. If a torn UCL is affecting your daily routine, you may be a candidate for Tommy John surgery (also known as “UCL reconstruction”), particularly if your injury was caused by overuse. Dr. Rueben Nair — one of the experienced sports medicine physicians at Swift Institute — performs this procedure for patients in Reno, Nevada, and surrounding areas.
What Is Tommy John Surgery?
Tommy John surgery (named after a baseball player who was the first to undergo this procedure) involves replacing your UCL with a tendon from another part of your body, or from another source. When Tommy John had this surgery performed, the surgeon replaced his UCL with a ligament from his right wrist. Today, surgeons typically use tendons from the forearm, the hamstring, or the foot. In many cases, Tommy John surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients can go home later that day.
If you’d like to learn more about Tommy John surgery and whether it’s appropriate for your condition, contact Swift Institute today. We’ll be happy to schedule a time for you to meet with Dr. Nair or one of the other orthopedic surgeons at our Reno, NV, location. Or, take advantage of our convenient online scheduling service. We look forward to helping restore your function, mobility, and quality of life.