Tommy John Surgery (UCL Reconstruction) | Gangnam JS Hospital, Seoul

Tommy John Surgery in Seoul

Gangnam JS Hospital

Tommy John surgery, or ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is a surgical procedure designed to repair a damaged elbow ligament, commonly seen in baseball pitchers, javelin throwers, and other athletes performing repetitive overhead motions. Gangnam JS Hospital provides expert Tommy John surgery to restore elbow stability, strength, and function.

Located at 122 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the hospital combines experienced orthopedic surgeons, advanced surgical techniques, and structured rehabilitation programs to ensure safe recovery and optimal athletic performance.

What Is Tommy John Surgery?

Tommy John surgery repairs a torn or damaged UCL by replacing the ligament with a tendon from the patient (autograft) or a donor (allograft). It is indicated when:

  • Conservative treatment fails to relieve pain or instability
  • Athletes experience decreased throwing performance
  • Recurrent elbow instability threatens long-term function

Symptoms that may lead to surgery include:

  • Medial elbow pain during throwing or overhead activity
  • Instability or “giving way” of the elbow
  • Decreased velocity, accuracy, or performance
  • Chronic inflammation or tenderness

Surgical reconstruction restores elbow stability, allowing a safe return to sports and daily activities.

Comprehensive Surgery & Rehabilitation Process

1. Pre-Surgery Assessment

  • Detailed history of injury and athletic activity
  • Physical examination to assess stability, strength, and range of motion
  • Imaging studies (MRI or ultrasound) to evaluate ligament damage

2. Surgical Procedure

  • UCL reconstruction using autograft or allograft tendon
  • Minimally invasive techniques to preserve surrounding tissue
  • Suturing and fixation for long-term stability

3. Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

  • Early immobilization followed by passive and assisted motion exercises
  • Progressive strengthening of elbow, forearm, and shoulder stabilizers
  • Gradual return-to-throw or activity-specific training
  • Education on biomechanics, technique, and injury prevention

Who Should Consider Tommy John Surgery?

  • Athletes or active individuals with confirmed UCL tears
  • Patients experiencing persistent elbow pain or instability
  • Individuals aiming to safely return to throwing or overhead sports
  • Patients seeking structured post-surgical rehabilitation

Proper surgical treatment combined with rehabilitation restores elbow function, strength, and long-term stability.

Why Choose Gangnam JS Hospital?

  • Board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine specialists
  • Advanced UCL reconstruction and arthroscopic techniques
  • Integrated post-surgical rehabilitation programs
  • International patient support
  • Convenient Gangnam location at 122 Dogok-ro

Hospital Address

Gangnam JS Hospital
122 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

How to Get to Gangnam JS Hospital from Incheon International Airport

Option 1: AREX + Subway

  • Take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul Station.
  • Transfer to Line 2 (Green Line) toward Seolleung Station.
  • Walk or take a short taxi to 122 Dogok-ro.
  • Estimated travel time: 70–90 minutes.

Option 2: Airport Limousine Bus

  • Take a limousine bus heading toward Gangnam and transfer to a short taxi ride to the hospital.
  • Estimated travel time: 70–100 minutes depending on traffic.

Option 3: Taxi

  • Direct taxi from Incheon Airport takes approximately 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Schedule Your Tommy John Surgery

If you are experiencing elbow instability, pain, or decreased performance due to a UCL injury, Gangnam JS Hospital provides expert evaluation, advanced Tommy John surgical repair, and structured rehabilitation programs to restore strength, stability, and safe return to sports.

Contact the hospital today to book your surgical consultation.