Use of an iliac bone graft with the tensor fasciae latae for the reconstruction of capitellum and radial collateral ligament in wind swept elbow

Abstract

Traumatic elbow injuries often result in wounds and exposure of the nerves, tendons, and bone with defects in the soft tissue. A severe type of wind swept injury causes loss of the capitellum and radial collateral ligament (RCL), which leads to severe instability of the elbow. For reconstructing a defect of the capitellum and RCL, we applied an autogenous iliac bone graft with the fascia of the tensor fasciae latae muscle, which has never been reported with successful results. This bone-tendon unit may be a strong candidate for the reconstruction of defects of the radiocapitellar joint in a wind swept injury.

Keywords

• Wind swept elbow
• Radial collateral ligament
• Tensor fasciae latae