Choosing the best doctor for a Tommy John Surgery in New York and Brooklyn

Choosing the best doctor for a Tommy John Surgery in New York and Brooklyn is an important decision. Treatment of elbow ligament injuries can be difficult. Dr. Cagle has extensive experience and expertise in treating these types of injures and working with throwing athletes, and he utilizes the most cutting edge minimally invasive techniques and technologies to reconstruct the tears. He realizes that return to sport and efficient recovery is incredibly important.

WHAT IS AN ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURY?

An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow can occur with repetitive throwing or with trauma. This results in a tear of the ligament that stabilizes the inside of the elbow, and this area is under significant stress during a throwing motion.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AN ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURY?

An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament can occur from repetitive throwing or a trauma. This can cause pain along the inside of the elbow. Some people experience a sensation of the elbow being loose, and throwers may experience a decreased ability to throw with accuracy and/or velocity.

HOW IS AN ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURY DIAGNOSED?

An ulnar collateral ligament injury is diagnosed by a combination of history, symptoms, a physical examination and often times an MRI scan.

HOW IS AN ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURY TREATED?

Not all ulnar collateral ligament injuries require surgery. In fact, specialists like Dr. Cagle can manage many types of injuries without any need for a surgical procedure, but in cases of severe tears and/or symptoms, surgery may be recommended.

HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?

Surgical treatment of an ulnar collateral ligament injury is commonly referred to as Tommy John Surgery, or a reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament. During this surgery the torn ulnar collateral ligament is reconstructed with another tendon to provide stability and strength to the elbow.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER?

After a Tommy John Surgery, recovery occurs in stages, and Dr. Cagle personalizes the recovery program to each person’s situation. A splint may be needed for 1 week, and then typically a sling is worn after the splint is removed for a period of 4-5 weeks to protect the repair. After surgery, each person progresses through a focused course of physical therapy to help them quickly regain their elbow function and strength. Dr. Cagle understands that throwing athletes need to return to a throwing regimen as quickly as possible, and he will work with each athlete to optimize their return to sport.

ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT POSTOPERATIVE PROTOCOL