• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.236-241
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• 1998

Recurrent dislocation of elbow joint occurs relatively rarely by the injury of the collateral ligament which contributes elbow joint stability. Among them, posterolateral rotatory instability occurs by the injury to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament. We experienced a case of recurrent dislocation of elbow joint due to posterolateral rotatory instability. We treated operatively with lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction using the palmaris longus tendon by technique of Nestor et al. We report it with literature analysis.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.191-195
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• 2001

Posterolateral rotatory instability is the most common pattern of elbow instability especially which is recurrent, and is usually post-traumatic because of inadequate soft tissue healing. The lateral ulnar collateral ligament was reconstructed by using ipsilateral palmaris longus tendon. Functionally good result was obtained. This is a case report illustrating the posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow and its reconstruction with palmaris longus.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.287-295
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• 2023

Background: Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) is a common mechanism of recurrent elbow instability. While the essential lesion is a deficiency in the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL), there are often associated concomitant bony lesions, such as an Osborne-Cotterill lesions (posterior capitellar fractures) and marginal radial head fractures, that compromise stability. Currently, there is no standard treatment for posterior capitellar deficiency associated with recurrent PLRI. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of five patients with recurrent PLRI of the elbow associated with a posterior capitellar impaction fracture engaging with the radial head during normal range of motion. The patients were treated surgically with LUCL reconstruction or repair and off-label reconstruction of the capitellar joint surface using a small metal prosthesis designed for metatarsal head resurfacing (HemiCAP toe classic). Results: Five patients (three adolescent males, two adult females) were treated between 2007 and 2018. At a median follow-up of 5 years, all patients had complete relief of their symptomatic instability. No patients had pain at rest, but two patients had mild pain (visual analog scale 1-3) during physical activity. Three patients rated their elbow as normal, one as almost normal, and one as greatly improved. On short-term radiographic follow-up there were no signs of implant loosening. None of the patients needed reoperation. Conclusions: Recurrent PLRI of the elbow associated with an engaging posterior capitellar lesion can be treated successfully by LUCL reconstruction and repair and filling of the capitellar defect with a metal prosthesis. This treatment option has excellent clinical results in the short-medium term. Level of evidence: IV.