title: Rehabilitation of the medial- and lateral collateral ligament-deficient elbow: an in vitro biomechanical study.
abstract: METHODS
  In vitro biomechanical research using an elbow motion simulator.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The optimal rehabilitation of elbow dislocations with medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries has not been defined.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine a safe rehabilitation protocol for elbow dislocations with MCL and LCL injuries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight cadaveric elbows underwent simulated active and passive motions with the arm in multiple orientations. Varus-valgus angulation and internal-external rotation of the ulna relative to the humerus were quantified for the intact joint and with injured MCL and LCL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Active motion with injured MCL and LCL in the horizontal and vertical orientations resulted in kinematics similar to the intact elbow, whereas passive motion resulted in significant kinematic alterations. Marked elbow instability was noted in the varus and valgus orientations using both active and passive motion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elbows with MCL and LCL injuries should be rehabilitated using active motion in the horizontal or vertical orientations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Basic science research.
authors.affiliation: Hand and Upper Limb Center, St. Joseph's Health Centre, London, Ontario, Canada. balolabi@gmail.com
authors.forename: Bashar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Alolabi
authors.forename: Alia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Louis M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: George S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Athwal
authors.forename: Graham J W
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011403:Pronation; D013484:Supination; D000092464:Elbow Injuries