Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2005; 09: 56-66 DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-867103
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.
Elbow Instability: The Orthopedic Approach
Lorenzo L. Pacelli1, Madonna Guzman1, Michael J. Botte1
1 Scripps Clinic, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, La Jolla, California

ABSTRACT

In recent years significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of elbow instability. Elbow instability represents a spectrum from the acute traumatic dislocation to chronic laxity resulting in transient joint subluxation. In general, acute elbow dislocations represent the second most common joint dislocation in the adult population and the most common joint dislocation in the pediatric age group. This manuscript reviews the anatomy of the elbow joint as it relates to elbow instability. It then discusses the mechanism and classification of elbow instability and outlines treatment options available for acute and chronic elbow instability.

KEYWORDS

Elbow fractures - elbow instability - ulnar collateral ligament - radial collateral ligament - elbow dislocation