[Biomechanical study on reconstructed anterior bundle of elbow medial collateral ligament].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of complete anterior bundle of medial collateral ligament (MCL) on the valgus stability of the elbow after reconstruction and to assess the efficacy of artificial tendon and interference screw in reconstruction the anterior bundle of MCL.

METHODS

The bone-tendon of the elbow were made in 12 adult upper limb specimens. There were 8 males and 4 females, left side and right side in half. Using biomechanic ways and pressure sensitive film, the valgus laxity, the stress area of the humeroulnar joint, and the intra-articular pressure were measured in integrated anterior bundle of MCL (control group, n = 12) and reconstructed anterior bundle of MCL with artificial tendon and interference screw (experimental group, n = 12) in elbow flexion of 0, 30, 60, and 90 degrees .

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the valgus laxity within group and between groups in different flexion degrees (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found in the intraarticular pressure in elbow flexion of 30, 60, and 90 degrees within group and between groups (P > 0.05) except in elbow flexion of 0 degrees (P < 0.05). The stress area of the humeroulnar joint in 0 degrees flexion was significantly larger than that in 30, 60, and 90 degrees flexion in the control group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found within group and between groups in the other flexion degrees (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The anterior bundle of MCL has important significance for maintaining the valgus stability of the elbow, after reconstructing the anterior bundle by using artificial tendon and interference screw, the medial stability of elbow can be recovered immediately.