Diagnosis and Treatment of Posterolateral Rotatory Instability

Posterolateral rotatory instability is caused by insufficiency of the lateral stabilizers of the elbow. Acute instability occurs as a consequence of trauma and is best treated by primary repair. Chronic instability may be a consequence of trauma, but has also been described in the setting of corticosteroid injections for lateral epicondylitis and repetitive varus load. In this setting, ligament reconstruction is typically required.