Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction for Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow
Reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow is the primary treatment option for management of recurrent symptomatic posterolateral rotatory instability. Although a number of lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction techniques have been described, the docking technique has received general acceptance. In the docking technique, the graft is passed through a tunnel on the ulnar side, and the two free limbs are docked in the humerus at the isometric point on the lateral condyle. The advantages of the docking technique include decreased bone removal, decreased soft-tissue damage, and precise control of graft tensioning. If precise surgical steps are followed, then this technique can be performed in a reliable, efficient, and reproducible manner in patients with posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.