Arthroscopic Diagnosis of Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow

Abstract

Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) is the most common form of symptomatic acute and chronic elbow instability. Diagnosis is usually made using a combination of clinical tests and imaging modalities; however, in more subtle forms of instability, these measures may be equivocal. Arthroscopy is a valuable adjunct for diagnosis and treatment of PLRI. It allows direct appreciation of the instability process, quantification of the degree of instability, and identification of concurrent associated pathology. The aim of this technique article is to report a series of reproducible arthroscopic tests used for diagnosis of PLRI with examples of normal and pathologic arthroscopic findings.