For MLB pitchers, what is Tommy John surgery?

serpa

Tommy John surgery, known in medical practice as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body (often from the forearm, hamstring, knee, or foot of the patient). The procedure is common among collegiate and professional athletes in several sports, most notably baseball. The surgery is named after Tommy John, a pitcher who was the first professional athlete to successfully undergo the operation. The procedure was performed by Dr. Frank Jobe in 1974, who today serves as a Special Advisor to the Los Angeles Dodgers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_John_surgery May 26 11, 3:15 PM

great2beme

A surgical reconstruction of elbow ligaments that are often torn in baseball pitchers. http://orthopedics.about.com/od/elbowconditions/g/tommyjohn.htm May 26 11, 3:15 PM