Factors influencing elbow instability.

Stability or instability of the elbow is contingent upon three distinct but interrelated conditions: radiocapitellar articular continuity, coronoid process integrity and medial collateral ligament competency through an intact anterior oblique ligament. The latter, the anterior oblique ligament of the medial collateral ligament both in anatomic experimentation and clinical cases appears to be the most critical factor in elbow stability. The reconstruction of the unstable elbow must focus on this medial supporting ligament for a predictable result.