[Effect of anterior and posterior capsule release on elbow joint stability: an experimental study]

The effect of the articular capsule on elbow stability is not well documented. Releasing the capsule might modify results of elbow arthrolysis, especially if it would lead to postoperative instability. The goal of the present study was to address the question in a cadaveric study.

Ten fresh cadaver elbows were studied. Anterior and posterior capsulectomy was performed. Lateral and medial collateral ligaments were preserved. Initially, the same operator tested the elbow joints manually in flexion-extension, valgus-varus, and pronosupination. The same joints were then tested with an experimental machine.

Under these experimental conditions, no articular laxity was noticed in the coronal or sagittal planes after anterior and posterior isolated capsular release when the elbow joint was exposed to axial rotation, compression, or traction forces. Elbow laxity was observed only when lateral or medial ligaments were released.

Anterior and posterior capsulectomy during elbow joint arthrolysis does not produce joint instability when the lateral and medial ligaments are preserved.