The Latest on Tommy John Surgeries

Orthopedics This Week—August 29, 2016

Orthopedics This Week writer Elizabeth Hofheinz reports on the latest regarding Tommy John surgery following an interview with David W. Altchek, MD, a sports medicine surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery.

According to Dr. Altchek, "One exciting development in the Tommy John arena is the Motus Pro, a new device made by a Long Island-based company. The wearable device has five sensors, fits like a sleeve, and measures the forces around the joints. The tool, which tracks things such as hand speed and elbow torque, can also give trainers and physicians information on how much power is generated through the hips during a swing."

Additionally, Dr. Altchek explains, "We need to continue to address UCL injuries in adolescent pitchers. The biggest gray area surrounds the fact that young pitchers are still growing…the cartilage around the growth plates is soft. Should we let them pitch at all when the growth plates are still open? Also, when they recover from Tommy John surgery should they pitch off of flat ground? Some physicians believe that pitching on a mound increases the force on the elbow."

To read more, visit ryortho.com.