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

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

Joe Musgrove is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Unlike Tommy John surgery, which usually sidelines pitchers for around 18 months, players who undergo hamate operations typically return to the field within eight weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

He made 11 starts and then underwent Tommy John surgery.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

Ohtani had his second career Tommy John surgery in September and did not return to pitching until last June with the Dodgers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2026