Elbow instability

Elbow instability may be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute elbow dislocation may be further classified as simple or complex. Simple dislocations (those without an associated fracture) make up approximately 70–75% of dislocations. When there is an associated fracture, the dislocation is referred to as complex. Any dislocation or chronic instability pattern should be described in terms of direction (usually the direction the forearm travels with respect to the humerus); varus and valgus laxity, as well as posterolateral and posteromedial rotatory instability patterns are all possible. The mechanism of both the initial injury and subsequent instability episodes allows determination of the damaged and insufficient structures, which aids management.