Elbow Instability
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis,Prevention and Treatment

What is Elbow Instability?

It is a condition caused by looseness in the elbow joint that may lead to a catch, pop, or slide out of place during any movement of the arms. It usually occurs due to injuries such as an elbow dislocation. These types of injuries can lead to damage to the bone and ligaments that surround the elbow joint thereby affecting its stability.

There are three different types of elbow instability as explained below:

• Posterolateral rotatory instability: The elbow slides in and out of the joint as a consequence of an injury of the soft tissue lateral collateral ligament complex present on the outside of the elbow.
• Valgus instability: Instability of the elbow due to an injury of soft tissue ulnar collateral ligament located on the inside of the elbow.
• Varus posteromedial rotatory instability: The elbow slides in and out of the joint leading to a fracture. This is due to an injury to the lateral collateral ligament complex as well as the coronoid portion of the ulna bone present on the inside region of the elbow.

What are the causes of Elbow Instability?

There are various reasons for the development of this condition. Some of these causes are:

• The impact from a fall
• Post-surgical result
• Elbow deformity
• Overuse injury

Symptoms and Complications >>

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References: 

• Elbow Instability. AAOS. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/recurrent-and-chronic-elbow-instability/ Accessed on June 16th, 2020.
• Elbow Instability. Fortis US Clinic. Available at: https://www.fortiusclinic.com/conditions/elbow/elbow-instability Accessed on June 16th, 2020.
• Elbow Instability. Science Direct. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214687313000046 Accessed on June 16th, 2020.

Disclaimer:

“The content of this publication has been developed by a third party content provider who is clinicians and/or medical writers and/or experts. The information contained herein is for educational purpose only and we request you to please consult a Registered Medical Practitioner or Doctor before deciding the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.”