Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles Angels, made headlines with his impressive display on the mound during spring training last year, reaching a remarkable 103.5 mph after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the head team physician for the Dodgers, expressed some concern over the sudden increase in velocity post-surgery, which led to Ohtani undergoing an enhanced version of the Tommy John procedure in September.
As the 50th anniversary of the first Tommy John surgery approaches, Ohtani's case has become a focal point in the evolution of the operation. Despite the risks involved, the Dodgers showed their confidence in Ohtani's recovery by awarding him a record $700 million contract in December.
Ohtani's first Tommy John surgery allowed him to return to the mound in July 2020, where he continued to excel before suffering another injury in August 2023. His second operation involved a hybrid approach, combining ligament replacement with an internal brace, a technique pioneered by Dr. Keith Meister.
While Ohtani will be limited to hitting duties in his first season with the Dodgers, his journey back to pitching could culminate in a significant milestone. If all goes according to plan, he is set to throw his first simulated game around the 50th anniversary of the first Tommy John surgery in late September.
Ohtani's resilience and the innovative medical procedures surrounding his recovery highlight the ongoing advancements in sports medicine. His return to peak performance will not only be a testament to his talent but also to the effectiveness of modern surgical techniques in prolonging athletes' careers.
