Dodgers pitcher Brandon McCarthy underwent a second Tommy John surgery on Thursday after damage to his ulnar collateral ligament was discovered and repaired during his season-ending elbow operation, reports ESPN.
The 31-year-old was originally diagnosed with the injury in early May and required surgery to repair it just days later. McCarthy is expected to make a full recovery and return to baseball sometime in 2019. This is the latest setback for McCarthy, who missed all of last season due to an ankle injury that he also suffered while pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017 Tommy John Surgery is one of the most common reconstruction surgeries performed on pitchers in professional baseball and there are many successful returns following this procedure.
Did Walker Buehler Have Tommy John Surgery?
Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler has undergone his second Tommy John surgery in less than two years, according to a report from The Athletic. Damage to the ulnar collateral ligament was discovered during the season-ending elbow operation and it was repaired using a tendon from his shoulder blade.
This is significant news because this is the first time that damage to this ligament has been revealed after an elbow operation had already taken place. Buehler says he’s feeling good and will continue rehab so that he can pitch again in 2019, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll be able to return to his previous level of performance given the injury history he now possesses.
If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, please seek out qualified medical help before making any major decisions about your health care.
Dodgers Pitcher Suffers Second Tommy John Surgery
Walker Buehler had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. The 25-year old was previously diagnosed with a torn UCL in his left elbow, which required surgery as well.
This is Buehler’s second Tommy John surgery and he is likely to need more surgeries down the line due to wear and tear on his arm. Dodgers fans are worried about their young pitcher’s future, but they’re hoping for a speedy recovery nonetheless.
The team has placed him on the 60 day disabled list so that he can rehab without any pressure from expectations or fanfare
Damage to Ulnar Collateral Ligament was Discovered and Repaired during Season-Ending Elbow Operation
Walker Buehler had Tommy John surgery in March to repair damage to the ulnar collateral ligament. The operation was successful and he is expected to make a full recovery.
However, during the season-ending elbow operation, it was discovered that there was additional damage to the ligament which needed to be repaired. The entire process of repairing this damage took more time than originally anticipated, but now Walker is looking forward to getting back on the field soon.
Anyone who has undergone Tommy John surgery should expect some discomfort and swelling for several weeks after the procedure before fully recovering
To Recap
Tommy John surgery is a serious injury that can require multiple surgeries to reconstruct the elbow joint. Walker Buehler had the surgery in March and has not pitched since.
There is no timetable for his return, but it’s definitely something worth keeping an eye on.
