Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow

Am J Sports Med. 2014 Feb;42(2):485-91. doi: 10.1177/0363546513494579. Epub 2013 Jul 11.

Abstract

Symptomatic posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) results from a lateral collateral ligament complex injury and presents with pain, clicking, and subluxation within the flexion and extension arcs of elbow motion. Often, symptoms and examination characteristics are subtle and can be easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, a thorough history and provocative physical examination maneuvers are important to correctly establish the diagnosis. Patients frequently have a history of elbow trauma such as an episode(s) of elbow dislocation, prior surgery, or previous cortisone injections. Radiographs and advanced imaging can aid in the diagnosis, and examination under anesthesia, manipulation with arthroscopic visualization, and/or stress radiographs can be confirmatory. Symptomatic cases of PLRI can be effectively treated with a repair or isometric ligament reconstruction.

Keywords: elbow; lateral ulnar collateral ligament; posterolateral rotatory instability; reconstruction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthroscopy
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Elbow Joint / physiopathology
  • Elbow Joint / surgery
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / diagnosis*
  • Joint Instability / physiopathology
  • Joint Instability / surgery
  • Medical History Taking
  • Physical Examination
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Rotation