Arthroscopic Modified Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Imbrication: An Operative Technique

Nikolaos Platon Sachinis; Christos K Yiannakopoulos; Knut Beitzel; Christos Koukos

doi:10.1016/j.eats.2023.01.009

Arthroscopic Modified Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Imbrication: An Operative Technique

Arthrosc Tech. 2023 Apr 17;12(5):e709-e714. doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2023.01.009. eCollection 2023 May.

Authors

Nikolaos Platon Sachinis¹, Christos K Yiannakopoulos^{2

3}, Knut Beitzel⁴, Christos Koukos⁵

Affiliations

¹ First Orthopaedic Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "Georgios Papanikolaou" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
² Iaso Hospital, Athens, Greece.
³ School of Physical Education and Sports Science, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
⁴ Shoulder Institute, ATOS Orthoparc Klinik, Cologne, Germany.
⁵ Special Sports Surgery Department, St. Josef Krankenhaus, Wuppertal, Germany.

Abstract

When the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex fails to support the radiocapitellar and ulnohumeral joints in advanced stages of insufficiency, the patient experiences posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI). Open lateral ulnar collateral ligament repair with a ligamentous graft has been the standard treatment for PLRI. Despite producing good clinical stability rates, this method is associated with significant lateral soft-tissue dissection and a lengthy recovery period. By fastening the LCL to its humeral insertion, arthroscopic imbrication of the LCL can increase stability. The senior author modified this technique. With the aid of a passer, the LCL complex, lateral capsule, and anconeus may be weaved with a single (doubled) suture, secured with a Nice knot. LCL complex imbrication may be used to restore stability and improve pain and function in patients with grade I and II PLRI.