| His research assessed how current rehabilitation techniques used in overhead athletes (following elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, also known as "Tommy John" surgery) affect gracilis tendon grafts. |
| Exercises incorporating valgus torque significantly increase graft strain. Dr. Bernas explained that
“the goal was to define safe range of motion (ROM) after UCL reconstruction.” |
| Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body (forearm, hamstring, knee, or foot). It is a common procedure is among college and professional athletes. |
| The surgery is named after baseball player Tommy John, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who was the first professional athlete to successfully undergo the operation in 1974. |
| Orthopedics Today - Early extension is safe after UCL reconstruction |
