Arthroscopic lateral collateral ligament imbrication of the elbow: short-term clinical results

Chronic posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow results from an insufficient lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex. Arthroscopic LCL imbrication may prove a minimally invasive alternative to open lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) reconstruction with a quicker rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the validity of a modified arthroscopic imbrication technique. We hypothesized that arthroscopic LUCL imbrication would yield stable elbows in patients with grade 1 or 2 chronic PLRI at a minimum of 2 year of follow-up.

We retrospectively assessed data of all PLRI patients who underwent arthroscopic LUCL imbrication from 2010 to 2013 (n = 20). Stage 3 PLRIs (frank ulnohumeral dislocations) were excluded from this treatment. After confirmation of PLRI during standard elbow arthroscopy, a doubled absorbable suture is shuttled through as much LCL tissue as possible (from the lateral ulnar border to the area proximal to the lateral epicondyle) and the sutures are tied. This results in a plication of the entire LCL complex. Objective elbow stability was assessed using a combination of the pivot shift, table top, and posterior drawer tests.

Of 20 included patients, 18 were stable subjectively and objectively at a minimum of 2 year of follow-up. Mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from 48 preoperatively to 88.9 at final follow-up (P < .001). Mean Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved from 53 preoperatively to 10.3 at final follow-up (P < .001). One patient developed elbow stiffness. Two patients reported tenderness of the subcutaneous PDS knots.

As a less invasive alternative to open LCL reconstruction using a graft, arthroscopic LCL imbrication has demonstrated acceptable rates of perceived elbow stability among patients with stage 1 or 2 PLRI.