Advanced Elbow Ligament Surgery

UCL Reconstruction Surgery in New Jersey

Expert Tommy John surgery to restore elbow stability and get you back to throwing. Dr. Daniel Feghhi is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in UCL reconstruction for pitchers, throwers, and athletes.

Tommy John Expert Athlete Specialist Advanced Techniques
Schedule Consultation (973) 988-2200
UCL reconstruction elbow surgery procedure

What Is UCL Reconstruction

Tommy John Surgery: Restoring Elbow Stability

UCL reconstruction (commonly known as Tommy John surgery) is a surgical procedure that repairs a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. This ligament is essential for throwing motions and is commonly injured in overhead athletes, particularly baseball pitchers, quarterbacks, and javelin throwers.

During the procedure, Dr. Feghhi replaces the damaged UCL with a graft tendon—typically from your own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). This graft is anchored in place, creating a new, stable ligament that allows athletes to return to competitive throwing.

90%+
Success Rate
4
Phases of Recovery

Why Choose UCL Reconstruction?

  • Restore Full Throwing Ability Return to competitive sports at pre-injury level
  • Permanent Solution Unlike Tommy John recovery without surgery, provides lasting stability
  • Advanced Techniques Modern minimally invasive approaches for faster recovery
  • Expert Care Specialized treatment for throwing athletes

Are You a Candidate?

Who Needs Tommy John Surgery?

UCL reconstruction is recommended for patients with complete UCL tears or those who have failed conservative treatment for partial tears.

Do You Throw for a Living?

Baseball pitchers, quarterbacks, javelin throwers, and other overhead athletes who need to return to high-level throwing.

Have You Completely Torn Your UCL?

Athletes with complete ulnar collateral ligament tears that cause elbow instability during throwing.

Has Conservative Treatment Failed?

Those who have tried rest, physical therapy, and injections without relief from elbow pain and instability.

Do You Have Elbow Valgus Instability?

Patients experiencing elbow giving way, pain on the inside of the elbow, or decreased throwing velocity.

Are You Committed to Recovery?

Athletes willing to commit to 12-18 months of rehabilitation to achieve full return to sports.

Is Tommy John Right for You?

High school, college, and professional athletes seeking to return to competitive throwing sports.

Get Your Evaluation

The Procedure

What Happens During Tommy John Surgery?

Dr. Feghhi performs UCL reconstruction as an outpatient procedure, using advanced techniques to optimize recovery and outcomes.

1

How Is the Surgery Performed?

You'll receive general anesthesia for comfort. Dr. Feghhi makes an incision on the inside of your elbow and identifies the damaged UCL. The torn ligament is carefully removed and prepared for reconstruction.

2

Where Does the Graft Come From?

A graft tendon is prepared—commonly taken from your own forearm (palmaris longus), hamstring, or from a donor allograft. Dr. Feghhi will discuss the best option for your specific case.

3

How Is the New Ligament Secured?

Dr. Feghhi creates bone tunnels in the humerus and ulna bones. The graft is threaded through these tunnels and anchored securely with screws or buttons, creating a new, stable UCL.

4

What Happens After the Surgery?

The incision is closed with stitches, and your arm is placed in a splint for protection. You'll begin a structured rehabilitation program to restore range of motion and eventually return to throwing.

Tommy John Surgery Quick Facts

  • Surgery Duration 60-90 minutes
  • Hospital Stay Same-day discharge
  • Incision Size 3-4 inches
  • Graft Options Autograft or Allograft
  • Time to Throwing 4-6 months
  • Full Sports Return 12-18 months

Recovery Timeline

How Long Does Tommy John Recovery Take?

UCL reconstruction recovery is a gradual process. Most athletes return to competitive throwing within 12-18 months.

Weeks 1-6: What Happens First?

  • • Arm in splint/brace
  • • Protect the graft
  • • Gentle wrist/hand exercises
  • • No active elbow motion
  • • Pain management

Weeks 7-12: When Can You Move?

  • • Begin physical therapy
  • • Restore full range of motion
  • • Start strengthening
  • • Gradual daily activities
  • • No throwing yet

Months 4-6: Can You Start Throwing?

  • • Begin interval throwing program
  • • Progressive distance
  • • Building arm strength
  • • Controlled throws
  • • Monitor for setbacks

Months 7-12+: Ready to Return?

  • • Progressive pitching
  • • Sports-specific training
  • • Full velocity throwing
  • • Competition preparation
  • • Return to game play

Important: Recovery Varies by Athlete

Recovery timelines are general guidelines. Your specific recovery depends on graft type, surgical technique, age, and commitment to rehabilitation. Professional pitchers may take 12+ months, while some athletes return in 9-12 months. Dr. Feghhi will provide personalized recovery milestones during your follow-up appointments.

Why Choose Dr. Feghhi

Expert Tommy John Surgery in New Jersey

Dr. Daniel Feghhi combines advanced training with a patient-centered approach to deliver exceptional care for throwing athletes.

Dr. Daniel Feghhi - Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Daniel Feghhi, MD, FAAOS

Board Certified

Dr. Feghhi is board-certified in orthopedic surgery, ensuring the highest standards of training and expertise in elbow procedures.

Fellowship Trained

Completed advanced fellowship training at the Florida Orthopedic Institute, specializing in sports medicine and elbow surgery.

Throwing Athlete Expert

Specializes in treating baseball pitchers, quarterbacks, and overhead athletes with UCL injuries.

Advanced Techniques

Uses the latest surgical techniques and graft options to optimize outcomes and accelerate recovery.

Ready to Return to Throwing?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Feghhi to discuss your UCL reconstruction options. We'll help you get back to doing what you love.

Schedule Consultation (973) 988-2200

Serving patients throughout New Jersey

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about UCL reconstruction.

Our Locations

Schedule Your UCL Reconstruction Consultation

Dr. Feghhi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.

Wayne

Passaic County

2035 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite C
Wayne, NJ 07470

(973) 988-2200

Elizabeth

Union County

595 Chestnut Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202

(973) 988-2200

Dover

Morris County

400 W Blackwell Street
Dover, NJ 07801

(973) 988-2200

East Brunswick

Middlesex County

555 Cranbury Road, Suite A
East Brunswick, NJ 08816

(973) 988-2200

Hackensack

Bergen County

211 Essex Street, Suite 302
Hackensack, NJ 07601

(973) 988-2200

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