Shohei Ohtani’s Surgeon Reveals Details on Dodgers Superstar’s Surgery

At Shohei Ohtani’s introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium in December, both he and his agent, Nez Balelo, were asked for clarifying details about Ohtani’s 2023 elbow procedure. They offered few specifics.

In fairness to Ohtani and Balelo, neither is a doctor. Dr. Neal ElAttrache is. The Dodgers’ team physician with the Kerlan-Jobe clinic performed the procedure on Ohtani (as well as the November shoulder surgery on pitcher Clayton Kershaw).

Thursday, for the first time, ElAttrache described Ohtani’s procedure in detail.

ElAttrache described Ohtani’s second operation as a hybrid procedure involving an internal brace – adding braided suture to repair the torn ligament – as well as the insertion of the tendon like what is done in a traditional Tommy John surgery.

The hybrid approach, combining the ligament replacement originated by Dr. Frank Jobe with the artificial internal brace developed by Dr. Jeffrey R. Dugas, was developed by Texas Rangers team physician Dr. Keith Meister.

“He and I are both doing the same thing, same philosophy, in adding braided suture to repair and enhance the existing torn ligament as well as putting in the new graft,” ElAttrache said. “So you’re getting all the benefits of an augmented what’s called internal brace, where you’re putting suture in to brace the elbow. I like to put that suture in the native tissue because then I know it’s perfectly anatomic and it’ll tighten at exactly the right time.”

— via the Associated Press

Ohtani has already resumed full-time DH duties for the Dodgers, who begin their quest for a World Series championship in six days. The Dodgers and San Diego Padres are playing two games in Seoul, South Korea March 20-21 to kick off MLB’s regular season.

Progress from any elbow surgery is typically slow, and reports of Ohtani’s throwing program have been scarce. If his progress as a hitter is any indication, however, recovery from the surgery seems to be on schedule — if not ahead.

Ohtani batted .500 (11 for 22) with two home runs and nine RBIs in eight Cactus League games for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers are next scheduled to take the field Saturday for an exhibition game against the Kiwoom Heroes in Seoul.

Photo Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports