Anconeus-Sparing Minimally Invasive Approach for Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Posterolateral Elbow Instability

Abstract

Posterolateral elbow instability with an insufficiency of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament commonly results from elbow trauma. However, other etiologies such as iatrogenic injuries after primary surgical treatment for lateral epicondylitis or repetitive corticosteroid injections also may lead to a lateral ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency. In these cases, surgical treatment can help to restore posterolateral stability of the elbow. Besides the stabilizing effect of the ligamentous structures, the anconeus muscle is the most import active stabilizer against posterolateral elbow instability. Therefore, the aim of the present technique is to present an anconeus-sparing, minimally invasive approach to restore posterolateral stability. This technique may serve as an alternative for typically used all open access.