- Discussion: 
- arises from disruption of the lateral collateral and annular ligaments;
- associated conditions: elbow dislocation, radial head excision, coronoid fracture;
- LCL anatomy:
- lateral collateral ligament consists of a ligamentous expansion proceding down from lateral epicondyle to ulna (major expansion
which inserts into supinator crest of ulna) and also sends expansions down to annular ligament and radius;
- 3 layers:
- deep layer = joint capsule = radial collateral ligament;
- intermediate layer is the annular ligament;
- superficial layer is the LCL:
- LUCL:
- ligament that arises from lateral humeral epicondyle and inserts on the supinator crest of the ulna;
- acts as a posterior buttress for the radial head to prevent its subluxation;
- ECU tendon and the supinator tendon (the later merges with the LCL) both resist posterolateral instability;
- greater role with increased flexion
- lateral ulnar collateral ligament deficiency=Posterolateral rotatory instability
- additional deficiency of radial collateral ligament=Dislocation
- references:
- The effect of arthroscopic sectioning of the lateral ligament complex of the elbow on posterolateral rotatory stability.
- Ligamentous stabilizers against posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.
- Functional anatomy of the lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow: morphology and strain.
- The in Vivo Isometric Point of the Lateral Ligament of the Elbow
- Radiographic Findings:
- Magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of chronic posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.
- Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow: usefulness of MR imaging in diagnosis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of chronic posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.
- Non Operative Treatment:
- forearm should be immobilized in pronation, where as elbow may be allowed free flexion-extension in a hinged brace;
Morrey BH. Anatomy of the Elbow Joint. In: Morrey BH. The elbow and its disorders. 3rd Ed.
Rotatory Instability of the Elbow M.S. Cohen and H. Hastings MD JBJS Vol 79-A, No 2. Feb 1997 225-233.
Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow. SW O'Driscoll et al. JBJS. Vol 73-A. 1991. p 440-446.
Ligamentous reconstruction for posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow. BJ Nestor et al. JBJS Vol 74-A. 1992. p 1235-1241.
Table top relocation test—New clinical test for posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.
Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow
Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow in Association with Lateral Epicondylitis. A Report of Three Cases
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