• Hui Yan, Guo-qing Cui, Yu-lei Liu, Jian Xiao, and Ying-fang Ao.
• Institute of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
• Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2011 Jun 21;91(23):1595-9.

ObjectiveTo explore the preliminary results of lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) reconstruction or repair for posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of elbow.MethodsBetween December 2006 and September 2010, 9 consecutive patients (9 elbows) undergoing surgical reconstruction or repair of LUCL for the treatment of elbow PLRI were studied. Surgical reconstruction of LUCL was performed with a tendon graft in 6 elbows and reattachment of LUCL to humerus in 3. The mean patient age was 28 years (range: 17 - 48). All patients had a previous history of elbow injury. Among them, 6 had a history of elbow dislocation. The average duration of symptoms was 10.7 months (range: 5 days - 30 months). The outcomes were graded with respects to objective and subjective stability, pain and range of motion as defined by Nestor.ResultsAll patients were followed up. The mean follow-up period was 20 months (range: 4 - 49). Postoperatively, no patient had residual instability or a positive pivot shift test in elbow. Their outcomes were graded as excellent (n = 6), good (n = 2) and fair (n = 1). Subjective assessment revealed that all were satisfied with their surgical outcomes.ConclusionAn accurate recognition of PLRI of elbow is important for its appropriate management. Tendon graft is recommended for the reconstruction of LUCL. Surgical ligament reconstruction or repair is the preferred treatment option for restoring normal functions and elbow stability. Further studies are warranted because of a limited number of patients in the present study.

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