Description
Although it is not a weight-bearing joint, the elbow can be subjected to high loads when practising racket or throwing sports, or in gymnastics. As a consequence of these continued sport activities, elbow stability, due to static and dynamic constraints, can be compromised.
The elbow is the second most commonly dislocated major joint, and 15%-35% of elbow dislocations can have residual instability. Elbow dislocations represent 11%–28% of all elbow injuries, with an annual incidence of 6–8 cases per 100,000 people.
The elbow is a very congruous joint with two ligamentous complexes: UCL and LCL. They are involved in the pathoanatomy of throwing athletes or in elbow dislocations and instability.
The symptoms of the instability in athletes can occur following a single traumatic event or may be due to repetitive stress leading to chronic laxity such as in a throwing athlete.
