Chronic elbow instability in adults: The why, when and how of ligament reconstruction

Chronic elbow instability in adults mainly consists of valgus instability and posterolateral instability. They most often occur because of ligament damage following elbow dislocation but can also occur due to repeated microtrauma. The aim of ligament stabilization surgery is always the same: recreate the anatomy and function of the original ligament. Extensive knowledge of the elbow's anatomical structures and biomechanics is crucial to understanding why the elbow is unstable and how to treat it. In this review, we will explain how elbow instability develops, what types of grafts are available and which reconstruction techniques can be used for posterolateral or valgus instability.Level of evidence: 3 (c) 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.