Analyzing the Tommy John Trend in Active Baseball Players

Analyzing the Tommy John Trend in Active Baseball Players

Introduction: Over the past decade, there has been an upward trend in UCL injuries, with baseball players sustaining most of these sports-related elbow injuries. The most common treatment for baseball players with UCL injuries is Tommy John surgery, specifically among pitchers. Tommy John is a surgical procedure used to repair a torn UCL, which involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon from another body part, such as the forearm or hamstring. However, UCL injuries can be successfully treated without surgery. The non-surgical approach may be beneficial for younger athletes. Focused Clinical Question: For current baseball players with a UCL tear, is Tommy John surgery or a nonsurgical treatment more effective for a successful future career as a baseball player? Search Strategy and Results of Search: The main database used was CINAHL, while PubMed was also utilized. All articles were peer-reviewed, published within the last 10 years, and primary evidence. Each search yielded 2-7 results, resulting in 24 articles, 4 of which were used. Key Evidence and Results: Incomplete UCL tears can be successfully treated non-operatively. Tommy John surgery may only be necessary for pitchers with complete UCL tears. Younger athletes tend to sustain less severe UCL injuries, indicating less need for surgical intervention. Athletes have indicated that their choice to undergo UCL surgery was without consideration for their future career success. Application/Implication: While players, especially young athletes, may feel pressured to undergo Tommy John surgery based on current trends, careful consideration from athletes, coaches, and healthcare providers is necessary before jumping to the conclusion of Tommy John surgery. Research shows that UCL injuries can be treated non-surgically, allowing athletes to avoid long rehabilitation and avoid undergoing the trauma associated with any surgical treatment. Word Count: 285