Shoulder & elbow · UCL reconstruction

Tommy John surgery

Tommy John surgery (UCL reconstruction) is performed for ulnar collateral ligament injuries in throwing and overhead athletes, using a tendon graft to reconstruct the damaged ligament on the medial side of the elbow. Consultations with our fellowship-trained shoulder & upper-extremity surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Recovery is staged: brace use early, a throwing program starting around 4–6 months, and return to competitive throwing typically 12–16 months after surgery.

At Pathway, our fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons perform Tommy John surgery. Consultations are available in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230
  • For throwing & overhead athletes
  • Staged return-to-throwing program
  • Surgery in 2–4 weeks
  • No referral required
Patient returning to court activity after Tommy John surgery recovery
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UCL reconstruction

At a glance

Tommy John surgery at a glance

Tommy John surgery (UCL reconstruction) is performed for ulnar collateral ligament injuries in throwing and overhead athletes, using a tendon graft to reconstruct the damaged ligament on the medial side of the elbow.

1–3 days
to first consultation
2–4 weeks
from consult to surgery
4–6 months
throwing program typically begins
12–16 months
typical return to competition
The procedure

What is Tommy John surgery?

The 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.

Who may need this surgery?

Surgical technique

How UCL reconstruction works.

  1. 1

    Incision & access

    Small incision along inner elbow to access the damaged ligament

  2. 2

    Graft preparation

    Tendon graft from your body or donor is prepared to replace the UCL

  3. 3

    Tunnel creation

    Small tunnels created in humerus and ulna to secure the graft

  4. 4

    Graft fixation

    Graft passed through tunnels and secured to recreate ligament function

Your surgeon

Our upper-extremity specialist.

Fellowship-trained in shoulder & upper-extremity surgery.

Dr. Bashar Alolabi, upper extremity specialist

Dr. Bashar Alolabi

Shoulder & upper extremity

Cleveland Clinic fellowship-trained, with expertise in elbow ligament reconstruction for throwing athletes.

  • Cleveland Clinic fellowship
  • Shoulder & upper-extremity sports surgery
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Your recovery

Recovery timeline.

  1. 1

    0–6 weeks

    Protection

    Brace, gentle motion

  2. 2

    3–4 months

    Strengthening

    Rebuild arm strength

  3. 3

    6–9 months

    Throwing program

    Gradual return to throwing

  4. 4

    12–18 months

    Competition

    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

Next step

Start your care journey.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your elbow injury and treatment options with our specialist. No referral required.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230
Related links

Continue your research.

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