Shoulder & elbow · UCL reconstruction
Tommy John surgery
UCL reconstruction for ligament injuries in throwing and overhead athletes. Meet your specialists and understand what to expect before booking.
5.0 from 250+ Pathway patient reviewsShoulder & elbow · UCL reconstruction
UCL reconstruction for ligament injuries in throwing and overhead athletes. Meet your specialists and understand what to expect before booking.
5.0 from 250+ Pathway patient reviewsThe ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is located on the inner side of the elbow and is critical for stability during throwing motions. When the UCL is torn — often from repetitive stress in throwing athletes — it can cause pain, instability, and inability to throw at full velocity.
Tommy John surgery reconstructs the damaged UCL using a tendon graft. The graft acts as a scaffold that the body gradually incorporates, restoring elbow stability and throwing function.
Incision & access
Small incision along inner elbow to access the damaged ligament
Graft preparation
Tendon graft from your body or donor is prepared to replace the UCL
Tunnel creation
Small tunnels created in humerus and ulna to secure the graft
Graft fixation
Graft passed through tunnels and secured to recreate ligament function
Fellowship-trained under Dr. James Andrews at the American Sports Medicine Institute.
Shoulder, elbow & knee sports medicine
Fellowship-trained under Dr. James Andrews at the American Sports Medicine Institute, Dr. Smith performs Tommy John (UCL) reconstruction for throwing athletes at every level, and has served the Toronto Blue Jays since 2008.
Shoulder & upper extremity surgery
Specializes in shoulder and upper extremity surgery, including UCL reconstruction for throwing athletes.
View profile →0–6 weeks
10–6 weeks
Brace, gentle motion
3–4 months
23–4 months
Rebuild arm strength
6–9 months
36–9 months
Gradual return to throwing
12–18 months
412–18 months
Full return to sport
0–6 weeks
Protection
Brace and gentle motion
6–9 months
Throwing program
Gradual return to throwing
12–18 months
Competition
Full return to sport
Schedule a consultation to discuss your elbow injury and treatment options with our specialists. No referral required.
