冠突前内侧面骨折与外侧副韧带损伤的治疗

目的探讨冠突前内侧骨折后,外侧副韧带是否需要全部修复。 方法选自2012年7月至2016年7月天津医院共收治的19例冠突前内侧骨折患者,排除1例合并桡骨远端骨折患者,1例既往关节炎患者。术前行影像学检查,包括肘关节正侧位X线片、CT检查,以明确损伤类型。根据O’Driscoll分型2-1型4例,2-2型9例,2-3型4例。所有患者均采用肘关节内侧入路（尺侧腕屈肌入路）,固定冠突骨折后,给予内翻应力试验,如为阳性,修复外侧副韧带;如为阴性,不修复。采用Mayo肘关节功能评分（mayo elbow performance score,MEPS）、上肢功能障碍评分（disability of arm shoulder and hand,DASH）、视觉模拟评分法（visual analogue scale/score,VAS）对肘关节功能进行评价。 结果冠突骨折固定后,内翻试验阳性患者13例,给予外侧副韧带修补术,阴性患者4例,未给予外侧副韧带修补。所有患者均获得满意的肘关节评分,MEPS平均97.6分,DASH平均4.13分,VAS平均0.4分;关节炎Broberg-Morrey标准I度5例。 结论在冠突前内侧骨折的治疗中,冠突固定后的内翻试验对于判断肘关节稳定性至关重要,外侧副韧带修复与否取决于内翻应力试验。     

Fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid was recently recognized as a distinct type of coronoid fracture resulting from a varus posteromedial rotational injury force. Very few reports are available to help guide the management of these injuries. METHODS: Eighteen patients with a fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process were treated over a six-year period. Twelve patients were treated for the acute fracture, and six were managed after initial treatment elsewhere. All but three patients (two with concomitant fracture of the olecranon and one with a second fracture at the base of the coronoid) had avulsion of the origin of the lateral collateral ligament complex from the lateral epicondyle. The initial treatment was operative in fifteen patients and nonoperative in three. The coronoid fracture was secured with a plate applied to the medial surface of the coronoid in nine patients, a screw in one patient, and sutures in one patient. It was not repaired in the remaining seven patients. RESULTS: At the final evaluation, an average of twenty-six months after the injury, six patients had malalignment of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid with varus subluxation of the elbow, which was due to the fact that the fracture had not been specifically treated in four patients and to loss of fracture fixation in two patients. All six had development of arthrosis and a fair or poor result according to the system of Broberg and Morrey. The remaining twelve patients had good or excellent elbow function. CONCLUSIONS: Anteromedial fractures of the coronoid are associated with either subluxation or complete dislocation of the elbow in most patients. Secure fixation of the coronoid fracture usually restores good elbow function.     

Surgical management of medial and lateral elbow instability secondary to acute atypical complex elbow dislocation: Case report and literature review

Introduction and importanceElbow dislocation is common in adults, and complex elbow dislocations are generally associated with bone fractures. Anteromedial coronoid fracture, in association with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) disruption, often results from varus posteromedial forces. “Terrible triad” injuries are more likely to result from valgus posterolateral forces. However, our case presentation has combined medial and lateral elbow instability in addition to “terrible triad” injury of the elbow with no radial head injury.Case presentationThe patient was a 38-year-old man with an atypical complex elbow dislocation. He was successfully treated by stabilizing the medial epicondyle and coronoid anterolateral facet fractures, in addition to LCL repair and medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction. A radial head fracture was unnoted. The procedure yielded satisfactory functional outcome, with a stable and painless full elbow range of motion.Clinical discussionMulti-ligament injuries with coronoid fractures result in highly unstable elbow joints, forming a variant of the “terrible triad” injury. Surgical options vary according to the surgeon’s experience and equipment availability. In this case, direct LCL repair and MCL reconstruction were performed and were well tolerated. Elbow stability improved and the patient experienced improved functionality with minimal pain. However, it may be premature to report a definite outcome in this case because of short follow-up time postoperatively.ConclusionThe injury described in this case has a unique presentation as a multi-ligamentous injury will make the elbow very unstable. Thus, careful clinical judgment, knowledge, and experience are needed to identify the underlying injury and for optimal management.     

Non surgically managed anteromedial coronoid fractures in posteromedial rotatory instability: three cases with 2 years follow-up

Varus posteromedial rotatory instability refers to one of the complex elbow fracture-dislocation caused by anteromedial coronoid fracture with disruption of lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Recent clinical and biomechanical studies have demonstrated that this unstable complex injury resulted in incongruence of joint, which could lead to early posttraumatic arthritis. With reports of poor result after conservative treatment, surgical treatment including anteromedial fixation and LCL repair has been strongly recommended to achieve stable joint. This case series describes three patients with anteromedial coronoid fracture who were managed conservatively with excellent outcomes. This report suggests that anteromedial coronoid fracture associated with posteromedial rotatory instability might be treated using conservative treatment in selective cases when anteromedial coronoid fracture is minimally displaced and there is no evidence of elbow subluxation.     

尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折伴肘关节外侧副韧带损伤的手术治疗

目的探讨尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折伴肘关节外侧副韧带损伤的手术治疗方法及临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析2011年4月至2014年7月四川省骨科医院收治且获完整随访的9例尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折伴肘关节外侧副韧带损伤患者临床资料。其中男6例,女3例;年龄20~62岁,平均41岁。致伤原因：跌伤3例,自行车伤1例,电动自行车伤3例,交通事故伤2例。均为新鲜闭合骨折;无神经、血管损伤。受伤至手术时间4~12 d,平均7.2 d。均为O'Driscoll分型2型,其中1亚型1例,2亚型5例,3亚型3例。其中肘关节外侧副韧带肱骨外髁止点撕脱骨折4例,其余5例术中证实肘关节外侧副韧带肱骨外髁止点撕脱。伴有尺骨鹰嘴骨折或为肘关节恐怖三联征患者未纳入本组。经肘关节前侧或内侧入路复位,以支撑钢板、缝合锚、螺钉固定冠状突骨折及修复前侧关节囊。经后外侧入路,以缝合锚修复外侧副韧带。 结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无血管神经损伤。随访时间12~48个月,平均25.6个月,X线片示骨折均愈合。随访期间无内固定物失效、肘关节不稳定、创伤后骨关节炎等并发症发生。末次随访时患肘关节活动范围：伸肘0~10°,平均1.1°;屈肘110~135°,平均128.9°;前臂旋前40~70°,平均61.1°;旋后80~90°,平均88.9°。Broberg和Morrey肘关节功能评分为82~100分,平均95分;优6例,良3例,优良率100%。疼痛视觉模拟评分为0~2分,平均0.7分。 结论重视和识别尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折伴肘关节外侧副韧带损伤,对于存在肘关节内翻后内侧旋转不稳定者,根据冠状突骨折块的大小、部位及形态,经肘关节前侧或内侧入路复位,以支撑钢板、缝合锚及螺钉固定,修复前侧关节囊,经肘关节后外侧入路,以缝合锚修复外侧副韧带,术后早期活动锻炼,可获得满意疗效。     

The anteromedial facet of the coronoid process of the ulna

Fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process has been recognized as an important type of coronoid fracture. We performed a quantitative analysis of 21 3-dimensional computed tomography scans to evaluate the degree to which the anteromedial facet protrudes as a distinct process separate from the proximal ulnar metaphysis. The distance between the center axis of the trochlear notch and the most medial edge of the anteromedial facet averaged 12.5 mm (range, 8.7-20.1 mm). The part of the maximum anteromedial facet width that was supported by the proximal ulnar metaphysis and diaphysis averaged 5.4 mm (range, 1.7-11.5 mm). On average, 58% of the anteromedial facet (range, 26%-82%) was unsupported by the proximal ulnar metaphysis and diaphysis. It is not surprising that this relatively vulnerable protrusion from the anteromedial facet of the coronoid is frequently a separate fracture fragment in complex traumatic elbow instability.     

Neue Operationsverfahren am Ellenbogen

A large number of implants and operation techniques have improved the quality of care for injuries of the elbow over recent years. Low-profile implants of the olecranon seem to reduce soft tissue mechanical irritation. Furthermore, angle-stable coronoid plates have simplified the treatment of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid. Selected fractures of the radial head and coronoid can be treated arthroscopically assisted, whereby concomitant injuries can be detected and treated. New reduction techniques have simplified the treatment of complex intra-articular distal humeral fractures. Ruptures of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) after elbow dislocation can be stabilized by an additional internal bracing, which allows an early functional aftercare due to the increased primary stability.     

Coronoid fixation and lateral collateral ligament repair in varus posteromedial rotatory instability of the elbow

BackgroundVarus posteromedial rotatory instability is a relatively rare elbow injury, that has been infrequently reported in published literature. We intended to evaluate the outcomes of surgical management of this rare injury with anteromedial coronoid fixation, and, in selected patients, lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) repair.MethodsBetween 2017 and 2020, we identified 12 patients with anteromedial coronoid fractures, and a varus posteromedial rotatory instability, who underwent surgery for fixation of the coronoid fracture, with or without LCL repair. All the included patients were either O'Driscoll subtype 2-2, or subtype 2–3. All the 12 patients were followed up for a minimum of 24 months, and their functional outcomes assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).ResultsThe mean MEPS recorded in our study was 92.08, and the mean range of elbow flexion achieved was 124.2°. The mean flexion contracture in our patients was 5.83°. Three of our twelve patients (25%) suffered from elbow stiffness even at final follow-up. The results were graded as Excellent in eight, Good in three, and Fair in one patient.ConclusionCoronoid fractures and LUCL disruptions associated with varus posteromedial rotatory instability can be reliably managed by employing a protocol that combines radiographic parameters, as well as intra-operative assessments of stability. While surgical intervention successfully restored stability, there is a learning curve to the management of these injuries and complications are not uncommon, particularly elbow stiffness. Hence, in addition to surgical fixation, emphasis should also be placed on intensive post-operative rehabilitation to improve outcomes.     

A figure-eight suture loop with Kirschner wires for fixation of anteromedial coronoid process fractures: A case series

PurposeSufficient fixation of an anterior or anteromedial facet fracture of the coronoid process in fracture-dislocation of elbow is important to maintain joint stability. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with 11 patients who were managed with an original fixation technique using a “figure-eight” suture loop.MethodsFrom February 2010 to March 2011, 11 cases with a fracture of the anterior or anteromedial facet of the coronoid process were treated by coronoid fixation using a figure-eight suture loop. For cases with comminuted fractures, to prevent a suture from sliding into the fracture line, a 3- or 4-hole phalanx plate was enclosed in the suture loop to compress multiple fragments. Accompanying injuries, such as a radial head fracture or olecranon fracture, were fixed with repair of lateral collateral ligament injuries.ResultsOn final evaluations at an average of 18 months after injury, the mean elbow arc of motion was 125.5° and the mean forearm rotation arc of 124.1°. All fractures were united with an average postoperative score according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index of 91 points. All patients achieved satisfactory scores (seven excellent, four good). All 11 fractures were united at final follow-up with no joint incongruity, dislocation, or subluxation of the injured elbow.ConclusionsThe figure-eight suture loop technique is an easy and effective technique to fix anterior or anteromedial facet fractures of the coronoid process.     

超声结合应力实验在肘关节侧副韧带损伤中的临床意义分析

目的探讨在肘关节韧带损伤治疗中,应用超声检查判断肘关节稳定性的可靠性和临床意义。 方法选自2014年1月至2017年12月复旦大学附属华山医院收治的23例肘关节损伤病例,其中男11例、女12例,年龄15 ~ 68岁,平均年龄41.5岁。根据超声检查侧副韧带完整性作为依据,将术中应力实验结果作为治疗参考标准,以此决定肘关节韧带损伤的治疗方式。手术均采用韧带探查锚钉固定重建缝合术。随访肘关节功能评分和骨折愈合情况。 结果超声检查中发现14例患者内、外侧副韧带均撕裂;8例患者为外侧副韧带损伤,其中5例完全撕裂;1例患者为内侧副韧带损伤。以麻醉下应力实验结果作为金标准,其敏感性为97%,特异性为70%。采用Mayo肘关节功能评分系统,结果为优17例、良3例、中3例,优良率为87%。 结论对于肘关节侧副韧带损伤后稳定性的判断,超声检查是一项价廉、高效的检查方式,也有助于临床医生在术中结合应力实验结果对肘关节侧副韧带损伤处理作出判断。     

肘前内侧切口入路手术治疗尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折

目的:探讨尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折手术治疗入路和合并损伤的处理。方法:自2009年7月至2011年8月,共收治尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折6例,男4例,女2例;年龄19～49岁,平均32.6岁;左侧3例,右侧3例;优势侧4例,非优势侧2例;均为闭合性骨折。根据O’Driscoll尺骨冠状突骨折分型均为冠状突前内侧面骨折2亚型或3亚型,均采用肘前内侧切口桡侧腕屈肌和掌长肌之间劈开指浅屈肌入路行微型接骨板固定,其中3例行冠状突固定后肘关节内翻应力位X线检查可见肱桡间隙增宽,表现出肘关节内翻后内侧旋转不稳定,桡侧副韧带未进行探查修复。术后石膏固定2周行肘关节功能锻炼,表现出内翻后内侧旋转不稳定者石膏固定4周。术后随访记录患者肘关节活动范围、疼痛和稳定情况,肘关节力量和手部握力,根据改良An和Morrey肘关节功能评分评价肘关节总体功能。结果:6例术后均获随访,时间7.5～13个月,平均9.3个月。患侧肘部和手部力量均同健侧,肘关节平均屈曲(129.0±6.5)°(120°～135°),平均伸直(4.0±4.2)°(0°～10°),前臂旋转活动度平均旋前(84.0±6.5)°(75°～90°),平均旋后(89.0±7.1)°(80°～100°),1例术后出现尺神经感觉症状并于半年后恢复,所有患者未出现肘关节疼痛、不稳定,改良An和Morrey肘关节功能评分均为优。结论:尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折可采用桡侧腕屈肌和掌长肌间入路进行切开复位内固定治疗,伴肘关节内翻-后内侧旋转不稳定者可适度延长制动时间。     

Avulsion Fracture of the Sublime Tubercle: A Case Report

Abstract Fractures of the ulnar sublime tubercle are a rarely reported site of ulnar collateral ligament injury. Presented here is a case report of a displaced avulsion fracture of the sublime tubercle of the ulnar coronoid process in a 58-year-old lady. An open reduction and internal fixation of the fractured sublime tubercle, with two 3 mm cannulated screws, through the medial approach was carried out. Post-operative recovery was complicated by ulnar nerve paraesthesia, which resolved completely. Functional recovery was satisfactory with a return to her normal activities. Traumatic avulsion fracture of the sublime tubercle of the ulnar coronoid process is an underreported injury. Avulsion fracture of the sublime tubercle of the ulnar coronoid process is a rare cause for medial elbow pain and instability. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with elbow pain after minimal trauma.     

Elbow dislocation with intra-articular fracture: the results of operative treatment without repair of the medial collateral ligament

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of a protocol for the treatment of fracture-dislocations of the elbow based on the concept that, if dislocation of the elbow with associated fractures can be made to resemble a simple elbow dislocation by repairing or reconstructing the fractured structures, repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) will not be necessary. METHODS: Over a 5-year period, a single surgeon operated on 34 patients with a posterior dislocation of the elbow associated with one or more intra-articular fractures. The mean age of these 19 men and 15 women was 48 years. Associated fractures included the capitellum, trochlea, and lateral epicondyle in 3 patients; the olecranon in 1 patient; and the radial head in 30 patients (with concomitant fracture of the coronoid process-the so-called "terrible triad" of the elbow-in 22 patients, and concomitant fracture of the coronoid and olecranon in 1 patient). Operative treatment consisted of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or prosthetic replacement of all fractures and reattachment of the origin of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex to the lateral epicondyle. The MCL was not repaired. RESULTS: Two patients (1 with a terrible triad injury and 1 with fracture of the capitellum and trochlea) had postoperative instability related to noncompliance, had reconstructive procedures, and were considered failures. An average of 32 months after injury, the remaining 32 patients regained an average of 120 degrees ulnohumeral motion and 142 degrees forearm rotation. Twenty-five of 34 patients (74%) had good or excellent results according to the system of Broberg and Morrey. Patients with terrible triad injuries had an average of 117 degrees ulnohumeral motion and 137 degrees forearm rotation, and 17 of 22 patients (77%) had good or excellent results. CONCLUSIONS: MCL repair is unnecessary in the treatment of dislocation of the elbow with associated intra-articular fractures, provided that the articular fractures and the LCL are repaired or reconstructed.     

(iii) Elbow instability, mechanism and management

Acute dislocations of the elbow without significant fracture are classified as simple. In all cases the medial and lateral ligaments are avulsed, usually as an osteo-periosteal sleeve. The majority are stable on reduction and immediate active mobilisation is encouraged. The incidence of recurrent dislocation and instability is very low. Acute dislocations associated with significant fractures are classified as complex. The most common associated fractures are of the radial head or coronoid process, and if both fractures are present this is termed the “terrible triad”. The principle of management is reduction of the joint, anatomical fixation of the fracture fragments, with repair or reconstruction of ligaments if indicated. If the elbow remains unstable, or if fracture or fixation or ligament repair is tenuous, then the use of a hinged external fixator is recommended.The most common type of chronic instability is postero-lateral rotatory instability, which is related primarily to incompetence of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament. Conservative treatment is rarely successful and most require a reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament with a graft. Medial instability is predominantly seen in throwing athletes with chronic stretch of the medial ligament that interferes with throwing capacity. If conservative management fails then the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament can be reconstructed with a tendon graft.     

Pediatric complex divergent elbow dislocation

A divergent dislocation of the elbow is a very rare injury, and only a few cases have been described in the literature. It is characterized as a dorsal dislocation of the ulnohumeral joint combined with a lateral dislocation of the proximal radius. All three articulations of the elbow joint are involved. Like in our case, it can be accompanied by an avulsion fracture of the coronoid and a distal radius fracture. For correct understanding of the injury, proper radiographic studies are imperative. In contrast to some earlier reports that advise a conservative approach, we performed a very aggressive operative treatment. To ensure anatomic reconstruction of the elbow, surgical exposure of the various injuries was performed first. After gross reduction of the joint dislocation, definitive osteosynthesis of the distal radius fracture was performed. Subsequently, the coronoid process and lateral collateral ligament could be repaired anatomically, improving the stability of the elbow. An uneventful recovery with excellent elbow motion and stability was achieved.     

改良双切口联合入路治疗肘关节内翻-后内侧旋转不稳定的临床应用

目的探讨改良前侧入路联合Kocher入路治疗肘关节内翻-后内侧旋转不稳定的临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析2012年1月至2015年12月期间治疗肘关节内翻-后内侧旋转不稳定的患者19例,其中男13例,女6例,平均年龄（40.47±9.20）岁。左侧9例,右侧10例。尺骨冠状突骨折按O'Driscoll分型II1型7例,II2型10例,II3型2例。术中均经改良前侧入路固定尺骨冠突,经Kocher入路以锚钉修复外侧副韧带。术后以可调肘关节支具辅助行早期功能锻炼。 结果所有19例患者术后均取得满意疗效,伤口愈合良好。随访12~33个月,平均20.4个月,所有患者均获得骨折临床愈合。患者肘关节活动度为屈曲120°~140°（130.47°±5.45°）,伸直0°~16°（5.79°±4.51°）,旋前75°~90°（83.42°±4.60°）,旋后80°~90°（85.42°±2.99°）。术后Mayo肘关节功能评分优15例（90~100分）,良3例（80~85分）,中1例（70分）。术后X线片采用Broberg和Morrey肘关节退行性关节炎X射线分级评价,18例无退行性改变,1例出现1级创伤性关节炎改变,未出现2级或3级改变。术后随访未发现严重并发症。 结论改良双切口联合治疗法通过改良前侧切口与Kocher切口联合治疗,既有效固定了内侧尺骨冠突的骨折,同时又修复了外侧副韧带复合体,帮助肘关节重建了骨和软组织的稳定性。     

The pathoanatomy of lateral ligamentous disruption in complex elbow instability

We sought to determine the lateral soft-tissue injury pattern in a consecutive series of patients with elbow dislocation (10 cases) or fracture-dislocation (52 cases) that required open operative repair. Patients who were seen more than 3 months after injury or those in whom previous operative intervention had obscured the anatomy were excluded. There were 42 men and 19 women (mean age, 43 years; range, 13-82 years). One patient had bilateral injuries. The mean time to surgery was 15 days after injury, with a range from 1 to 76 days. There were associated fractures in 52 elbows: coronoid (39), radial head (36), proximal ulna (14), and distal humerus (6). Disruption of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex was seen in all 62 elbows in one of six patterns of injury: proximal avulsion in 32, bony avulsion of the lateral epicondyle in 5, midsubstance rupture in 18, ulnar detachment of the LCL in 3, ulnar bony avulsion in 1, and combined patterns in 3. We found concomitant rupture of the common extensor origin in 41 cases (66%). Operative tactics included anatomic fixation of associated fractures, fixation or replacement of the radial head, and lateral soft-tissue repair. Disruption of the LCL was a universal finding in our patients. Avulsion from the distal humerus was the most common pattern, followed by midsubstance rupture; ulnar detachment or bony avulsion was rare. Disruption of the common extensor origin (a secondary constraint) was seen in 66% of cases. Repair of these lateral soft-tissue structures should be an integral part of the surgical strategy for elbow dislocations and fracture-dislocations that require operative treatment.     

Complex elbow dislocation associated with radial and ulnar diaphyseal fractures: a rare combination

We illustrate a rare complex dislocation of the elbow involving a posterior ulno-humeral dislocation associated with open diaphyseal fracture of the ulna, radial shaft fracture, Type 1 coronoid fracture and neuropraxia of the deep branch of the radial nerve. The isolated ulno-humeral dislocation without radio-capitellar involvement, and ulnar diaphyseal fracture, makes this “reverse Monteggia” type of injury pattern very unique. This patient was managed with an initial reduction of his ulno-humeral joint and stabilization of his radius and ulna fractures. He underwent a delayed medial collateral ligament reconstruction a few days later. His fractures went on to unite fully, his elbow joint remained stable, and he achieved good range of motion of his elbow.     

成人后孟氏骨折与经尺骨近端骨折后脱位的鉴别与治疗

经典孟氏骨折的定义是尺骨骨折伴上尺桡关节脱位,如合并桡骨头后脱位,即肱桡关节后脱位时,称为后孟氏骨折。而对于不伴有上尺桡关节脱位者,不应笼统称为后孟氏骨折,可称为经尺骨近端骨折后脱位。对于伴有上尺桡关节脱位后孟氏骨折,临床相对少见,其冠突骨折通常粉碎,上尺桡关节遭到破坏,环状韧带及骨间膜损伤,治疗时在恢复骨性结构及处理外侧韧带复合体后,还须关注与处理上尺桡关节的稳定,预后疗效不确定。而经尺骨近端骨折后脱位临床相对多见,其冠突骨折块通常完整,环状韧带及骨间膜完好,在治疗上以恢复骨性结构为主,同时处理肘关节外侧韧带复合体,预后效果好。通过解剖基础、影像学特征、损伤特点、治疗方法及预后等方面鉴别和区分后孟氏骨折与经尺骨近端骨折后脱位。     

Elbow instability

An understanding of elbow instability is predicated on knowledge of the anatomy of the lateral collateral ligament complex and of the mechanism and kinematics of elbow subluxation and dislocation. The lateral collateral ligament complex is the key structure involved in recurrent elbow instability and it is virtually always disrupted in elbow dislocations that result from a fall. The ulnar part of the lateral collateral ligament complex (also known as lateral ulnar collateral ligament) is the critical portion of the ligament complex securing the ulna to the humerus and preventing posterolateral rotatory instability. The kinematics of elbow subluxation and dislocation are a three dimensional coupled motion referred to as posterolateral rotatory instability in which the forearm rotates off the humerus in valgus/external rotation during flexion from the extended position. Elbow instability is diagnosed on clinical examination by the lateral pivot-shift test, the posterolateral rotatory apprehension and drawer tests and on radiographic examination by performing stress x-rays. While the lateral pivot-shift test is difficult to perform, the posterolateral rotatory drawer test is much less difficult. The most sensitive test, however, is the posterolateral rotatory apprehension test. A positive apprehension test in a patient presenting with a history of recurrent painful clicking, snapping, clucking, or locking of the elbow should lead one directly to the suspected diagnosis of posterolateral rotatory instability. Treatment is surgical, by repair or reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament complex, specifically the ulnar part. Deficiencies of the coronoid and/or radial head must be addressed.