Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow

Since its original description by O'Driscoll in 1991, posterolateral instab ility (PLRI) has become increasingly recognized as a significant cause of e lbow pathology. It has been documented that this instability results from a n insufficiency of the radial ulnohumeral ligament. This insufficiency is u sually the result of elbow trauma. Diagnosis of the problem has improved wi th the introduction of the PLRI test to identify the instability and advanc ing MR imaging capabilities for illustrating the injury. Although open reco nstruction was previously the only definitive treatment, improving arthrosc opic techniques provide a satisfactory alternative for stabilizing the elbo w.