Autologous triceps tendon graft for LUCL reconstruction of the elbow: clinical outcome after 7.5 years

The objective of this study was to assess mid- to long-term functional outcomes in patients treated for symptomatic posterolateral instability of the elbow (PLRI) using an autologous ipsilateral triceps tendon as graft.

A total of 196 patients were treated with autologous triceps tendon graft for symptomatic PLRI at single orthopedic institution from 2006 to 2013. The surgical treatment contained arthroscopic instability testing, reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) and harvesting autologous ipsilateral triceps tendon as graft. The follow-up outcomes included range of motion (ROM), pain measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES) and ultrasound to evaluate the integrity of the refixation of the common extensor.

A total of 178 patients (female: 73; male: 105) were available for follow-up at a mean of 91 months (range 48–144). No patient reported pain at rest; VAS during activity was 1.8 (range 0–5). The ROM decreased slightly compared to preoperative measurements. Flexion decreased significantly from 135.4 to 131.1, though still within the functional arc of motion. All but 13 patients (8.5%) were clinically stable. However, only two patients received a revision of the LUCL reconstruction due to subjective instability. The mean MEPS in the final follow-up was 91.3 (range 73–100). The mean OES was 46.5 (range 39–48). Three patients reported a pain-free clicking of the elbow. No patient complained about donor site morbidity of the ipsilateral triceps tendon. Ultrasound evaluation showed integrity of the common extensors in all patients.

LUCL reconstruction using the ipsilateral triceps tendon as graft shows good to excellent mid- to long-term results in the treatment of symptomatic posterolateral elbow joint instability with a low re-instability and complication rate.