UCL Reconstruction Surgery (Tommy John Surgery) Medical Animation

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, commonly known as Tommy John surgery, restores elbow stability following damage to the UCL-a critical ligament that connects the humerus to the ulna. This injury is prevalent among athletes engaged in repetitive overhead throwing motions, such as baseball pitchers. Degeneration or acute trauma to the UCL may result in pain, instability, and diminished performance. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, imaging, and history assessment.
The procedure replaces the damaged ligament with a tendon graft, typically sourced from the patient’s forearm or another region. The graft is anchored using bone tunnels, sutures, or other fixation methods, and adjacent structures, like the ulnar nerve, may be repositioned if necessary. Post-surgical rehabilitation focuses on regaining mobility, strength, and throwing mechanics, with full recovery usually taking 9-12 months. This surgery boasts a high success rate, with many athletes returning to their previous performance levels or better.
See more medical animations at www.understand....