The Truth About Tommy John Surgery: Why UCL Repairs Aren’t a Long-Term Fix
Tommy John surgery was originally designed to extend the careers of veteran pitchers, but today, more teenage athletes are undergoing UCL reconstructions than ever before. Dr. Jason Zaremski explains why young pitchers should not see surgery as an easy fix, the long-term risks involved, and why prevention is always the best option.
INJURY PREVENTION & PERFORMANCE BUILDING STRONGER ATHLETES
Coach Leo Young
4/10/20252 min read
The Truth About Tommy John Surgery: Why UCL Repairs Aren’t a Long-Term Fix
Many young pitchers believe Tommy John surgery will make their arms stronger and allow them to throw harder. But the reality is that UCL reconstructions were never intended to be a routine fix for youth baseball players. Dr. Jason Zaremski breaks down the risks of early UCL surgery and why prevention should be the top priority.
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Why Are More Young Pitchers Getting UCL Surgery?
1 in 3 professional pitchers has had some form of UCL surgical intervention.
Tommy John surgery was originally intended to extend a veteran pitcher’s career—not to be a solution for 15- to 19-year-olds.
UCL repairs are not designed to last 10-20 years—most last only 5-7 years before another procedure is needed.
The re-injury rate remains high, meaning many pitchers end up needing a second surgery later in their careers.
Why Tommy John Surgery Isn’t a Guaranteed Fix
Many young pitchers assume that surgery will restore their arm to its original condition, but that’s not the case:
The arm is never exactly the same after surgery—throwing mechanics and arm feel will change.
Rehab is long and difficult, taking a full year or more before a pitcher can return to competition.
Velocity and control may not fully return after surgery.
Some pitchers never regain their previous performance level.
Dr. Zaremski stresses that surgery should always be the last resort—not a planned part of a pitcher’s career.
How to Prevent UCL Injuries in Young Pitchers
Since Tommy John surgery is not a long-term solution, the best approach is to reduce injury risk in the first place by:
Managing workload – Tracking pitch counts, limiting year-round throwing, and enforcing rest periods.
Prioritizing proper mechanics – Poor throwing form increases stress on the elbow.
Developing strength and mobility – A well-rounded training program builds arm durability.
Avoiding overuse from an early age – The more stress placed on the UCL at a young age, the greater the risk of future injury.
Learn More About Sore to Soaring
At Sore to Soaring, we focus on educating athletes about injury prevention, smart training, and workload management to help them play longer, healthier careers.
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Disclaimer:
The views shared are those of the guest and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. This content is for informational purposes only and not medical or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any exercise or throwing program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned.
If you wish to learn more about Dr. Zaremski’s work, visit:UFHealth.org.
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