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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • September 17, 2020
UCL Injuries in Youth Athletes: Causes and Treatment

TThomas Edward John, Jr., better known as Tommy John, played 26 seasons of major league baseball. Today, however, his name is less synonymous with greatness on the ballfield and better recognized for the surgery that commonly bears his name. Once a revolutionary procedure, Tommy John surgery, or UCL reconstruction, is now far more commonplace than most orthopedic specialists would like, particularly in youth athletes. In fact, over half of all Tommy John patients fall in the 15 to 19 age group.


Risk Factors for UCL Injuries in Youth Athletes

Why the spike in youth UCL injuries and subsequent repairs? The major culprit comes down to volume. Youth sports have become big business, with kids playing more games than ever before. Additionally, sport specialization at a young age means that kids who are participating in a sport like baseball don’t get time away from the game for other athletic endeavors like they would have in the past. In the end, kids are simply throwing too much and with too few breaks in between. This is particularly true of pitchers.


Preventing UCL Injuries in Youth Athletes

In order to keep their child from becoming another Tommy John statistic, parents must focus on ways to reduce the likelihood of an overuse injury. As much as a child may love the sport, the smart play is to listen to expert guidance regarding the amount of time played and the number of pitches thrown. This can be achieved by:

  • Limiting the number of hours played each week by age: In general terms, a child should not spend more hours per week than their age playing or practicing any sport.
  • Utilize MLB’s Pitch Smart guidelines: This resource from Major League Baseball offers “a series of practical, age-appropriate guidelines” regarding how many pitches a child should throw, how often breaks are needed, and more.
  • Encourage breaks during off-season and multi-sport participation.
  • Never allow a child to throw while in pain or discomfort.


Tommy John Surgery for Youth Athletes

UCL reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) is typically reserved for the most severe cases where the ligament has completely torn. However, in youth patients, there are additional factors to consider like growth plates. If your child has experienced a suspected UCL injury, it is important to seek the guidance of an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in these types of injuries. Get started by requesting an appointment with a UCL specialist at the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge today?


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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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