Tommy John surgery

American  

[tom-ee jon sur-juh-ree] / ˈtɒm i ˈdʒɒn ˌsɜr dʒə ri /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. an operation to repair a torn ligament on the inner side of the elbow by replacing it with a tendon from elsewhere in the body or from a donor.

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Etymology

Origin of Tommy John surgery

First recorded in 1985–1990; after U.S. baseball pitcher Thomas Edward (“Tommy”) John (born 1943), who in 1974 was the first to undergo the surgery

Example Sentences

Instead of undergoing Tommy John surgery, when a torn ligament is replaced entirely, Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider underwent a new procedure that uses an internal brace and can lead to a speedier recovery.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Martinez is throwing some blurs these days after returning this season following Tommy John surgery in June 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

It led to the widespread belief that the splitter was the cause of the rapidly increasing rate of Tommy John surgery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Still, as Roberts notes, he’s further along than he was at this time a year ago, when he was working his way back from Tommy John surgery.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

Another rotation option is 26-year-old Emmet Sheehan, who made 12 starts and logged a 2.82 ERA for the Dodgers after returning from Tommy John surgery midway through the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026