Injury Insights: Dr. Ramos and Zach Bye Break Down Chase Dollander’s UCL Injury
When your fastball starts throwing red flags
In this edition of Injury Insights, Dr. Joseph Ramos takes a closer look at the unfortunate news surrounding Colorado Rockies pitcher Chase Dollander, who was moved to the 60-day injured list amid reports that he may need UCL surgery. The ulnar collateral ligament, or UCL, is a critical ligament on the inside of the elbow that connects the upper and lower arm and helps provide stability during throwing.
Dr. Ramos explains how the repetitive, high-speed whipping motion of pitching can place enormous stress on the UCL over time. If surgery is necessary, Dollander could face a lengthy recovery through Tommy John surgery, which replaces the damaged ligament with a tendon graft from elsewhere in the body. While the rehabilitation can take 12 to 18 months, Dr. Ramos notes that many pitchers ultimately return at an even higher level after completing their recovery.
Key Insights
- UCL Under Pressure: The ulnar collateral ligament stabilizes the inside of the elbow during throwing.
- Pitching Problems: Repetitive, high-speed arm movements can place tremendous stress on the UCL.
- Tommy John Time: UCL reconstruction replaces the damaged ligament with a tendon graft from elsewhere in the body.
- Long Road Ahead: Tommy John surgery can require roughly 12 to 18 months of rehabilitation.
- Pitcher Protection: Repeated throwing stress can gradually weaken the UCL and ultimately lead to a significant injury.
- Comeback Potential: Many pitchers return successfully from Tommy John surgery and can even perform better afterward.
- Dollander’s Diagnosis: The Rockies’ move to place Dollander on the 60-day injured list points to a potentially significant elbow issue, though the final treatment plan depends on his diagnosis.
