Thu Oct 18 14:42:22 2007

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Panthers' Delhomme undergoes surgery

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Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme underwent successful surgery on his right elbow Thursday at Carolinas Medical Center.

The surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes and was performed by Dr. Pat Connor of OrthoCarolina, the team physician for the Panthers.

"Jake underwent a medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction this morning of his right elbow, and the surgery went well," said Dr. Connor. "His postoperative rehabilitation will start soon, and he has an excellent prognosis."

Medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction is commonly referred to as "Tommy John Surgery." A ligament in the elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body to strengthen and repair the elbow during the surgery.

The procedure is named after Tommy John, a former pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who was the first professional athlete to successfully undergo the operation in 1974.

Delhomme was originally injured in the third quarter of Carolina's game at Atlanta on September 23 and was placed on injured reserve October 10. He started the first three games of the season for the Panthers and completed 55- of-86 passes for 626 yards with eight touchdowns and just one interception.