Does anybody have any experience with an outfielder tearing his UCL in throwing arm? I’m thinking his recovery from TJ might be a bit quicker than a pitcher? Or maybe there are alternatives to TJ surgery? Thanks.
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My kid is a C/OF. He had elbow problems for several years (olecranon fracture and torn UCL) . He ended up getting a couple of screws in the elbow and the internal brace for the UCL since his ligament met the criteria and was fully cleared to play about 5-6 months post surgery. It has been almost 11 months now and he has no pain throwing and his velo has come back. His ortho informed me he would have advised TJ surgery if he was a pitcher.
My son, C/MIF, tore his UCL first week of June of his sophmore to junior summer. Surgery within 10 days and fully released to play the 2nd week of February to start his junior year of high school season on time. Now playing D1, mid-major, college ball with no issues. Doctor had an 8-10 month release time for position players; 10-12 for pitchers, depending on rehab, throwing program, complications, etc. My son dedicated himself to his rehab and throwing program. He was actually through the throwing program 6 months from surgery, but the doctor backed him up and made him redo the final two months again, saying he simply will not release anyone prior to 8 months. The throwing program shocked me as to the amount of throws and distances especially near the end. It completely changed my thoughts on overthrowing versus strengthening, but that is for another forum. As for options, his doctor, who is known throughout the country and teaches the surgery in the UT Medical system, went into it with either a repair (collegan infused patch) or replacement as he could not tell from the MRI which would be needed. The repair has a shorter, 6-8 month release date versus the replacement 8-10 month release date. He had to have the replacement, and to be honest, I was glad it was replaced. If they were going into the elbow, my thought was they might as well replace it for 2 more months of rehab. So, that is our experience of TJ surgery which was back in 2018. I do not believe too much has changed since then as we recommended a position player from his school to this same doctor two years ago which much the same outcome. Hope that helps. I can provide the doctor info if needed. We highly recommend him.
Youngest tore his July 11, 2021 after his high school senior year. Primarily an outfielder he was also a pitcher. Was ready to go arm wise in 5-6 months after having the internal brace and repair procedure. However, given the log jam at his position with 3rd years and that he lost about 15 lbs of muscle he decided to red shirt. Can happily say he is stronger than ever and arm is great. He no longer pitches, but he never really wanted to. Good luck!
Internal brace with PRP might be an option. It is a 6-8 month recovery instead of 12-14. It will depend on the severity and location of the tear.
Son was OF/MI at a D1 school, had a small UCL tear in throwing arm. Went to a few orthopedics and went with PRP instead of TJ. Was out for about 3 weeks after procedure but went back to playing after that. Was used remainding season as DH to help arm fully recover. In hindsight it was a good move for PRP since he was able to play remaining season and the following year with no discomfort, and did extremely well. He does not have a strong arm, never had, never will. Some people would say it is just prolonging tj surgery until later if he continues. Thankfully his arm still remains healthy, no ucl issues (knock on wood) and it is over 5 years ago. If he had surgery would he be a better player? Only thing for certain is it would have delayed his college playing years and who knows the outcome. For him we are happy with the decision because everything worked out for the best. Best of luck in your decision.
Thank you all for the excellent information, extremely helpful. We’re in Los Angeles, due to see the Orthopedist in two weeks. I will let you know what happens.
Kids arm elbow started hurting during fall practice 2020. Team physician did MRI and found nothing, gave him a PRP injection and rest. Second weekend the following spring pain returned. This time he went to Timothy Kremchek in Cincinnati. Had the ligament replaced 3rd week of March. Was hitting off a tee and starting to throw during fall practice. Was back at full strength for the start of the season in February.
A few interesting things. The first MRI I told the kid to make sure they used dye. Trainer and Orthopedic surgeon said it wouldn't help. Dr Kremchek said they should have used dye. They used a ligament out of his wrist that apparently not everyone has. The son complained a little about driving to Cincinnati, upon getting in the car after his first visit he thanked me for insisting and said Dr Kremchek was the most impressive man he'd ever met. I'm not sure if it was because of the thank you notes on the wall from three past presidents or the one from Brittney Spears.
We went to Kremchek this summer. Pretty impressive. Ours was a flight, but hopefully worth it.
@baseballhs posted:We went to Kremchek this summer. Pretty impressive. Ours was a flight, but hopefully worth it.
Coach didn't want him to have the surgery because he didn't think he'd be ready by spring. Told him he didn't need a strong arm to play left field and didn't want to lose his bat. Dr Kremchek promised him he'd be ready for what we thought would be his last year. When he got in there the tear was small enough that the brace was an option but given the circumstances he replaced it. He was a man of his word as the kid was released to full participation a couple of weeks before practice started, so basically 9 months.
We were a game day decision as to whether it would be a brace or full TJ. He did the brace. Just started throwing a month ago, hoping to be good to go end of January. 8 months.
@baseballhs posted:We were a game day decision as to whether it would be a brace or full TJ. He did the brace. Just started throwing a month ago, hoping to be good to go end of January. 8 months.
We thought we were up against a wall. Didn't know Covid had given us another year. That said full on TJ cost about the same as brace I'm sure at an extra 4-(6/8) weeks. I'd have to assume the doctor felt full replacement had a more predictable outcome than the brace? Maybe the ligament in the wrist, that apparently not everyone has, made replacement a better option? IDK, what I do know is that I'm glad this man was 1.5 hrs from us and we choose him.
We are up against a wall so we were pushing for the brace. Plus my son is a pitcher so TJ for him was 12-14 months.
@baseballhs posted:We are up against a wall so we were pushing for the brace. Plus my son is a pitcher so TJ for him was 12-14 months.
I understand. Hoping for the best.
My son, C/IF, tore his UCL in November of his Jr year in high school. Had TJ surgery in December 2020 and began live hitting in games in late June 2021 while progressing with throwing program. Began throwing in practice in September and was catching again in November 2021. He is currently playing C/IF at a D1 and arm is doing well. From son's experience and speaking with others, the key to returning from TJ seems to be total commitment to rehab and strength training. Note: Son's UCL was completely torn so we opted for full TJ. One of his friends (pitcher) chose the repair/brace option and so far he seems to be progressing well too. Good luck to you and your son. While a torn UCL is a shocker for both player and parents it does not have to be the end of the baseball journey.