After 50 years, Tommy John surgery is evolving to increase success and sometimes speed return

By RONALD BLUM
AP Baseball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Tommy John surgery, like baseball itself, is evolving to increase success and sometimes speed return. Dr. Jeffrey R. Dugas developed a procedure that cut recovery time to as little as nine months for some pitchers with torn elbow ligaments. He envisions more innovations within five-to-seven years. TJ surgery has saved careers and earned fortunes. Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache estimates 80% of pitchers return to their prior performance level. Texas Rangers team physician Dr. Keith Meister combined traditional TJ ligament replacement with Dugas’ internal brace, what is known as a hybrid procedure.