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Traumatic instability of the elbow - anatomy, pathomechanisms and presentation on imaging

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Abstract

Traumatic instability of the elbow is a common problem among patients presenting to emergency departments. As recurrent instability is more common than previously thought and the knowledge of the most frequent underlying causes increases, treatment of elbow instability is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Therefore, it is mandatory for the radiologist to be familiar with the important osseous and soft-tissue stabilisers of the elbow joint and to know the pathomechanisms that lead to a spectrum of joint instability. This article discusses the relevant anatomy in elbow stability with respect to imaging and function, states the mechanisms leading to elbow dislocation and displays the types of traumatic instability of the elbow on radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Key Points

• Expert imaging helps the management of traumatic instability of the elbow

• The lateral ulnar collateral ligament is the cornerstone for elbow stability

• Soft-tissue disruption is important in posterolateral rotatory instability

• Identification of small coronoid process fragments is essential for optimal surgical therapy

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Abbreviations

LUCL:

Lateral ulnar collateral ligament

MCL:

Medial collateral ligament

aMCL:

Anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament

pMCL:

Posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament

PLRI:

Posterolateral rotatory instability

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str.22, 81675, Munich, Germany

    Christoph Schaeffeler, Simone Waldt & Klaus Woertler

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  1. Christoph Schaeffeler
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  2. Simone Waldt
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  3. Klaus Woertler
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Correspondence to Christoph Schaeffeler.

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Schaeffeler, C., Waldt, S. & Woertler, K. Traumatic instability of the elbow - anatomy, pathomechanisms and presentation on imaging. Eur Radiol 23, 2582–2593 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-013-2855-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-013-2855-5

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