Retrospective study of 44 patients with posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow who underwent either direct lateral ligamentous repair (12 patients) or tendon autograft reconstruction (32 patients) at Mayo Clinic between 1986 and 1999. The study asks whether repair or reconstruction more reliably restores stability, and which patient factors predict better outcomes.
When operating for PLRI, favor tendon autograft reconstruction over direct repair — especially if ligamentous tissue quality is in doubt.
Counsel patients with purely pain-based presentations (no subjective instability) that outcomes are less predictable, and be particularly vigilant about iatrogenic PLRI after lateral elbow releases or Kocher approaches.
Retrospective study of 44 patients with posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow who underwent either direct lateral ligamentous repair (12 patients) or tendon autograft reconstruction (32 patients) at Mayo Clinic between 1986 and 1999. The study asks whether repair or reconstruction more reliably restores stability, and which patient factors predict better outcomes.
When operating for PLRI, favor tendon autograft reconstruction over direct repair — especially if ligamentous tissue quality is in doubt.
Counsel patients with purely pain-based presentations (no subjective instability) that outcomes are less predictable, and be particularly vigilant about iatrogenic PLRI after lateral elbow releases or Kocher approaches.