Minimally invasive treatment of lateral ulnar collateral ligament injury

Abstract

Reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament is undertaken in situations of isolated ligament injury as well as in cases of fractures or fracture dislocations with instability following reduction. This chapter reviews the bony and ligamentous anatomy of the elbow, the physical exam findins associated with posterolateral rotatory instability as well as surgical treatment considerations. Finally, a minimally invasive technique for reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) is presented which can be used in cases of isolated posterolateral instability (PLRI) or more severe elbow injurys and may obviate the need for hinged external fixation.