Arthroscopic Repair of the Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow Using a Knotless Suture Anchor

Abstract

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex of the elbow plays a crucial role in the stability of the elbow joint, especially to varus loads. Deficiency of particularly the lateral ulnar collateral component of the LCL can lead to chronic posterolateral rotatory instability, which can be functionally debilitating and can lead to a rapid onset of early degenerative arthritis. Commonly, in the setting of acute rupture of the LCL, the ligament is repaired using an open technique with suture anchor fixation to the lateral epicondyle insertion point. However, with advancing arthroscopic techniques, it has become possible to repair the LCL arthroscopically. We present a relatively simple method for an all-arthroscopic repair of the LCL to the humerus using a knotless suture anchor technique.