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Posterolateral instability of the elbow.
M Affanni1, G D'Angelo, D Guasti
1Divisione di Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliera, Parma.
La Chirurgia Degli Organi Di Movimento
|August 30, 2002
Summary
This case report details a rare, disabling elbow injury: recurrent posterior subluxation caused by radial collateral ligament damage. Surgical reconstruction yielded satisfactory outcomes for this uncommon condition.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Elbow Biomechanics
Background:
- Recurrent posterior subluxation of the elbow is a rare yet disabling condition.
- It often results from injury to the ulnar portion of the radial collateral ligament.
- This injury can manifest as instability, subluxation, or dislocation with minimal elbow flexion.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old male presented with a rare case of recurrent posterior post-traumatic elbow subdislocation.
- The clinical presentation was characterized by significant disability.
- The underlying pathology involved the ulnar portion of the radial collateral ligament.
Findings:
- The condition is triggered by minimal degrees of elbow flexion.
- The severity of capsuloligamentous injury dictates the presentation (instability, subluxation, or dislocation).
- Surgical intervention is the recommended treatment approach.
Implications:
- The Osborne-Cotteril method for capsuloligamentous reconstruction is effective.
- This surgical technique has demonstrated very satisfactory results in managing recurrent posterior elbow subdislocation.
- Further research into conservative management options may be warranted for less severe cases.