Reconstruction Surgeries for Management of Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of The Elbow: A Systematic Review

We aimed to investigate the indications, techniques, and results of lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (LUCLR) for posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow (PLRI) by collecting currently available data. Several databases (PUBMED & EMBASE) were explored for articles published between 2010 and 2020. A search strategy was applied. Altogether, 2,583 studies were recovered for possible inclusion. After adjusting for duplicates, revision of methodology, exclusion of non-full text studies, and those in languages other than English, only four studies remained, which included 51 patients, with more males than females (56.9% and 43.1%, respectively). The patients’ mean age was 35.1 years. Eight patients (15.7%) were managed by the Docking technique in one retrospective study, while 43 patients (84.3%) were managed by the trans-osseous technique. Both trans-osseous and Docking techniques are safe and efficient in the management of PLRI cases. The trans-osseous technique has better functional and postoperative results and lesser complications. Mesh Words: posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow; lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery; systematic review; meta-analysis

Injuries of the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee-Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Beginning and Advanced Arthroscopic Surgeons

Injuries to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee may have a devastating impact on whole joint. Posterolateral rotatory instability, despite getting more and more popular among orthopedic surgeons, still remains challenging to diagnose and even more challenging to treat. Available surgical techniques are demanding and require advanced surgical skills. In this chapter we are going to review the diagnostic tools which help to recognize posterolateral rotatory instability of the knee, to outline its importance and consequences of misdiagnosis as well as present arthroscopic popliteus tenodesis and arthroscopic-assisted posterolateral corner reconstruction which are our minimally invasive techniques used to treat this condition depending on PLC injury pattern and grading. Presented techniques are reproducible, safe and do not require advanced surgical skills being a useful alternative for available open PLC reconstructions.

The knee in congenital femoral deficiency and its implication in limb lengthening: a systematic review

Congenital femoral deficiency (CFD) is a rare disorder with several limb anomalies including limb shortening and knee cruciate ligament dysplasia. Limb lengthening is usually performed to correct lower limb discrepancy. However, complications, such as knee subluxation/dislocation, can occur during this treatment. Here, we explore CFD knee abnormalities and knee dislocation during limb elongation, discussing when and whether knee ligament reconstruction prior to the lengthening would be necessary to reduce the risk of knee dislocation. There is not enough support in the literature for the routine reconstruction of cruciate ligaments in CFD patients. Of note, in cases of severe anteroposterior or posterolateral rotatory instability, cruciate ligament reconstruction might be considered to decrease the risk of knee subluxation/dislocation during the lengthening treatment. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:565-571. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200075

Systematic Review of Elbow Instability in Association With Refractory Lateral Epicondylitis: Myth or Fact?

Background: Elbow instability, particularly posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI), has been reported in patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis (LE). However, evidence of diagnostic approach and surgical outcomes is lacking. Purpose: To identify (1) the risk factors, clinical and radiologic-diagnostic characteristics, and (2) the treatment options and clinical outcome of LE with PLRI. Study design: Systematic review. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Ovid/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scopus, and EMBASE databases using keywords as well as Medical Subject Headings terms and Emtree using “(lateral epicondylitis OR tennis elbow) AND (instability OR posterolateral rotatory instability)” for English-language studies. We conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Results: In total, 8 articles comprising 6 level 4 and 2 level 3 studies were identified, including 249 patients (254 elbows). The main triggering factor was heavy labor activity (74/172; 43%). A total of 184 patients (73.9%) received either single (4/184; 2.2%) or multiple (180/184; 97.8%) steroid injections. Clinically, instability was always accompanied by pain in 9% of study individuals. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that radial collateral ligament (RCL) and lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) lesions were most common (18/79; 23%). The most common surgical procedure performed was arthroscopic RCL plication (62/120; 52%) followed by LUCL reconstruction (30/120; 25%). A ligament patholaxity sign was shown intraoperatively for 64% (44/69). Clinical outcomes ranged from good to excellent in all studies. The most common residual symptom was limited range of motion (11/18; 61%). Conclusion: Instability can coexist and may be associated with refractory LE. The risk factors of instability associated with refractory LE are heavy labor and multiple steroid injections. A systematic approach to identify the clinical and MRI presentation of the condition followed by examination under anesthesia are necessary for affirmative diagnosis, as independent presentations may be misleading.