Tommy John Surgery Evolution and Athlete Expectations | Dr. Neal ElAttrache
From APTA Orthopedics Podcasts - Previously Ortho Static by APTA Orthopedics
April 22, 2026 · 17 min
About this episode
Dr. Neal ElAttrache discusses the evolution of Tommy John surgery and its impact on athlete expectations and rehabilitation.
Join ESPN’s Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS, as she sits down at the TPC Team Physician Controversies Meeting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache — orthopedic surgeon at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, Head Team Physician for the Los Angeles Rams, and Medical Director for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In this conversation, Dr. ElAttrache discusses the evolution of Tommy John surgery since its origins with Dr. Frank Jobe, how surgical techniques and rehabilitation have advanced, and the ongoing challenges created by increasing demands in sport. He also explores how elite athlete recoveries influence patient expectations and highlights the importance of collaboration between surgeons and physical therapists. Physical therapists will learn about: - Evolution of Tommy John surgery since 1974 - Demands of throwing athletes on the UCL - Advances in surgical technique and outcomes - Managing expectations shaped by elite athlete recovery - Differences between professional and developing athletes - PT’s role in optimizing recovery and protecting outcomes Target Audience: Orthopedic and sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medicine clinicians, strength and conditioning coaches…
People in this episode
Host: Stephania Bell
Guest: Dr. Neal ElAttrache
Topics covered
- Tommy John surgery
- athlete recovery
- surgical techniques
- rehabilitation
- sports medicine
- physical therapy
Keywords
- Tommy John surgery
- UCL
- athlete expectations
- surgical advancements
- physical therapy
- sports medicine
- rehabilitation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Dodgers
More episodes of APTA Orthopedics Podcasts - Previously Ortho Static
- What 120+ ACL Studies Reveal About Re-Injury Risk & Confidence · June 3, 2026 · 46 min
- What It’s Really Like Being a DPT Student with Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen · May 20, 2026 · 36 min
- OCS Exam Prep Elbow Case Scenario · March 25, 2026 · 9 min
- OCS Exam Prep Lumbar Spine Case Scenario · March 25, 2026 · 9 min
- OCS Exam Prep Hip Case Scenario · March 25, 2026 · 10 min
- OCS Exam Prep Hamstring Case Scenario · March 24, 2026 · 8 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the APTA Orthopedics Podcasts - Previously Ortho Static podcast page.