Arthroscopic Plication in Medial and Lateral Elbow Instability

Elbow instability can occur as post-traumatic sequelae or due to chronic overuse syndromes. Patients with chronic instability classically present with pain, apprehension, or mechanical symptoms after movements that result in joint subluxation. Arthroscopic plication of R-LCL and aMCL is an innovative surgical technique that enables an anatomic and minimally invasive ligament retensioning. Arthroscopic assisted MCL plication is indicated in medial elbow pain with valgus instability. Arthroscopic plication of radial component of LCL is indicated in lateral elbow pain recalcitrant to at least 6 months of conservative treatment. Several arthroscopic signs of minor elbow instability should be assessed during the procedure and their negativization at the end of the procedure corresponds to a restored stability of the elbow.