UCL Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery)
Advanced Tommy John Surgery for Throwing Athletes in Miami, Doral & South Florida
Pain on the inside of the elbow, decreased throwing velocity, or elbow instability may be signs of an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). These injuries are especially common among baseball pitchers, softball players, quarterbacks, javelin throwers, and other athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions. When non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, UCL reconstruction—commonly known as Tommy John surgery—may help restore elbow stability and allow athletes to return to competition. Dr. Rafael Sanchez, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, provides advanced UCL reconstruction for patients throughout Miami, Doral, Coral Gables, Kendall, and South Florida.
Using modern surgical techniques and individualized rehabilitation protocols, Dr. Sanchez develops personalized treatment plans based on each patient's injury, sport, competitive level, and recovery goals. His focus is on restoring elbow function, reducing pain, and helping athletes safely return to peak performance.
What is UCL Reconstruction?
Commonly called Tommy John surgery, this procedure involves reconstructing a damaged ligament on the inside of the elbow called the ulnar or medial collateral ligament with a tendon graft obtained from your own body or a donor.
What is UCL Anatomy?
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), also called medial collateral ligament, is located on the inside of the elbow and connects the ulna bone to the humerus bone. It is one of the main stabilizing ligaments in the elbow, especially with overhead activities such as throwing and pitching.
What is UCL Injury?
When this ligament is injured, it can end a professional athlete’s career unless surgery is performed. The common symptoms associated with a UCL injury are as follows:
- Pain on the inner side of the elbow
- Unstable elbow joint
- Numbness in the little finger or ring finger
- Decreased performance in activities such as throwing baseballs or other objects
UCL reconstruction surgery involves replacing a torn ulnar collateral ligament with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. It is also referred to as Tommy John Surgery.
What is the Treatment for UCL Injuries?
Your physician will recommend conservative treatment options to treat the symptoms associated with UCL injury unless you are a professional or collegiate athlete. In these cases, if the patient wants to continue in their sport, surgical reconstruction is performed.
Conservative treatment options that are commonly recommended for non-athletes include the following:
- Activity restrictions
- Orthotics
- Ice compression
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Pulsed ultrasound to increase blood flow to the injured ligament and promote healing
- Professional instruction
UCL Reconstruction
If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition and symptoms persist for 6-12 months, your surgeon may recommend ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery. UCL reconstruction surgery repairs the UCL by reconstructing it with a tendon from the patient’s own body (autograft) or from a cadaver (allograft). The most frequently used tissue is the palmaris longus tendon in the forearm. The basic steps for UCL reconstruction surgery include the following:
- The surgery is performed in an operating room under regional or general anesthesia
- Your surgeon will make an incision over the medial epicondyle area
- Care is taken to move muscles, tendons, and nerves out of the way
- The donor's tendon is harvested from either the forearm or below the knee
- Your surgeon drills holes into the ulna and humerus bones
- The donor's tendon is then inserted through the drilled holes in a figure 8 pattern
- The tendon is attached to the bone surfaces with special sutures
- The incision is closed and covered with sterile dressings
- Finally, a splint is applied with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees.
What Does Postoperative Care for UCL Reconstruction Involve?
After surgery, your surgeon will give you guidelines to follow, depending on the type of repair performed and the surgeon’s preference. Common postoperative guidelines include:
- Elevate your arm above heart level to reduce swelling
- Wear an immobilizing splint or cast for 1-3 weeks
- Apply ice packs to the surgical area to reduce swelling
- Keep the surgical incision clean and dry. Cover the area with plastic wrap when bathing or showering
- Physical therapy will be ordered for strengthening and stretching exercises after the removal of the splint or cast
- Professional athletes can expect a strenuous strengthening and range of motion rehabilitation program for 6-12 months before returning to their sport
- Eating a healthy diet and not smoking will promote healing
What are the Risks and Complications of UCL Reconstruction?
As with any major surgery, there are potential risks involved.
The majority of patients suffer from no complications following UCL Reconstruction surgery, however, complications can occur following elbow surgery and include:
- Infection
- Limited range of motion
- Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, burning or loss of feeling in the hand and forearm area
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Elbow instability
Why Choose Dr. Rafael Sanchez for UCL Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery) in Miami, Doral & South Florida?
Dr. Rafael Sanchez is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with specialized expertise in sports medicine, elbow injuries, and ligament reconstruction. He treats athletes of all levels—from recreational competitors to high school, collegiate, and professional athletes—using evidence-based surgical techniques and comprehensive rehabilitation strategies.
Patients throughout Miami and South Florida choose Dr. Sanchez because he offers:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in sports medicine and elbow surgery
- Advanced UCL reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) techniques
- Comprehensive evaluation of throwing-related elbow injuries
- Personalized treatment plans based on each athlete's sport and performance goals
- Expertise in both autograft and allograft reconstruction options when appropriate
- Structured rehabilitation and return-to-throwing programs
- Patient-centered care focused on restoring elbow stability and athletic performance
Whether your goal is returning to competitive baseball, recreational sports, or pain-free daily activities, Dr. Sanchez is committed to providing expert orthopedic care throughout every stage of recovery.
UCL Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery) FAQs
UCL reconstruction, commonly called Tommy John surgery, is a procedure that replaces a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow with a tendon graft taken from your own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft).
Surgery is typically recommended for patients with a complete UCL tear or persistent elbow instability who have not improved with conservative treatment. It is especially common among baseball pitchers and other overhead throwing athletes who wish to return to competitive sports.
Common symptoms include pain along the inside of the elbow, decreased throwing velocity or accuracy, elbow instability, numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers, and difficulty performing overhead activities.
Recovery is gradual and involves a structured rehabilitation program. Many athletes return to competitive throwing approximately 9 to 12 months after surgery, although recovery time varies depending on the sport, position, and individual healing.
Although generally successful, potential risks include infection, elbow stiffness, nerve irritation or injury, persistent instability, cubital tunnel syndrome, blood clots, and complications related to anesthesia.
Many athletes successfully return to their previous level of competition following UCL reconstruction and rehabilitation. The timing and outcome depend on the severity of the injury, adherence to rehabilitation, and individual recovery.
Schedule a UCL Reconstruction Consultation in Miami, FL
If elbow pain or a UCL injury is preventing you from performing at your best, Dr. Rafael Sanchez can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. Serving patients throughout Miami, Doral, Coral Gables, Kendall, and South Florida, he provides expert diagnosis, advanced Tommy John surgery, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed to restore elbow stability and support a safe return to sports.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rafael Sanchez and learn more about your treatment options for UCL reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) in Miami, FL.
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