Rehabilitation, clinical outcome and return to sporting activities after posterolateral elbow instability: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature for rehabilitation concepts, clinical outcome and sporting performance after surgical or non-surgical treatment of Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the elbow (PLRI). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: In order to identify any published clinical study reporting on rehabilitation concepts and sporting performance following surgical or non-surgical treatment of PLRI a systematic search in literature was conducted. Rehabilitation protocols were reviewed according to main rehabilitation protocol categories (bracing, range of motion [ROM], strengthening and return to sport [RTS]). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Seven articles, including 148 patients met the inclusion criteria. Lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) repair with sutures or suture anchors was reported in two studies. In four studies, treatment was an isolated graft reconstruction and in one study a repair or graft reconstruction was performed. No study reporting on conservative treatment was found. Bracing with initially limiting ROM was declared in all studies. Duration of immobilization varied from one day to six weeks postoperative. Limitation of ROM to 30 degrees of elbow extension was reported in the majority of studies. Strengthening was allowed from six to eight weeks postoperative. Postoperative improvement in elbow range of motion was noted in all studies. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is agreement concerning bracing and limiting ROM following PLRI surgery there is currently no consensus in the rehabilitative- and conservative treatment modalities for patients with symptomatic PLRI. The majority of surgically treated patients with PLRI regain high acceptable results but further research is needed to determine the postoperative level of performance of these athletes.

Automated summary

This study systematically reviewed the literature on rehabilitation concepts, clinical outcomes, and sporting performance after surgical or non-surgical treatment of Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the elbow (PLRI). The majority of surgically treated patients with PLRI regain high acceptable results, but further research is needed to determine the postoperative level of performance of these athletes, as there is currently no consensus in the rehabilitative and conservative treatment modalities for patients with symptomatic PLRI.