Skip to content

Patients › Elbow

Bất ổn khuỷu tay

Elbow ligamentous and bony instability, including dislocation and the terrible-triad pattern.

Updated Jun 2026
Một minh họa vẽ tay của một người không có khuôn mặt đang giữ khuỷu tay sau khi khuỷu tay bị gập lại trong một vụ ngã.
Các dây chằng của khuỷu tay — dây chằng trụ và dây chằng quay là các yếu tố ổn định chính. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Trang này được dịch bằng máy và chưa được bác sĩ kiểm tra. Bản tiếng Anh là bản chính thức.

Những gì bạn đang cảm thấy

Bạn có thể cảm thấy khuỷu tay của mình bị trượt ra khỏi vị trí hoặc bị yếu đi. Cảm giác này thường xảy ra khi bạn với lấy đồ vật hoặc nâng vật nặng. Cơn đau có thể sắc nhọn và đột ngột, hoặc có thể cảm giác như một cơn đau âm ỉ kéo dài. Bạn có thể nhận thấy cơn đau trở nên nghiêm trọng hơn sau khi sử dụng cánh tay cho các công việc hàng ngày, chẳng hạn như cài áo vào trong quần hoặc với ra sau lưng để cài móc áo ngực. Một số người nhận thấy rằng việc nằm ngủ ở bên bị ảnh hưởng làm tăng sự khó chịu, trong khi những người khác cảm thấy cứng khớp khi vừa thức dậy vào buổi sáng.

Sự mất ổn định thường bắt nguồn từ tổn thương các dây chằng giữ các xương khuỷu tay lại với nhau. Các dây chằng này hoạt động như những dải băng chắc chắn, giúp duy trì sự ổn định của khớp. Khi chúng bị tổn thương, khuỷu tay của bạn có thể không di chuyển mượt mà. Bạn có thể trải nghiệm cảm giác lỏng lẻo hoặc cảm giác bị "kẹt" khi bạn gập hoặc duỗi cánh tay. Điều này có thể khiến các cử động đơn giản trở nên khó khăn. Ví dụ, việc xoay tay nắm cửa hoặc rót nước vào cốc có thể cảm thấy bất tiện hoặc không an toàn vì bạn không chắc chắn liệu khuỷu tay của mình có giữ vững hay không.

Trong một số trường hợp, cơn đau không chỉ nằm ở khớp mà còn lan xuống cẳng tay. Bạn có thể nhầm lẫn điều này với bệnh khuỷu tay của vận động viên quần vợt (tennis elbow), vốn là cơn đau ở mặt ngoài của khuỷu tay. Tuy nhiên, nếu cơn đau dai dẳng bất chấp việc nghỉ ngơi, nó có thể liên quan đến tình trạng mất ổn định tiềm ẩn. Bạn cũng có thể nhận thấy sưng hoặc nóng xung quanh khớp sau khi vận động. Việc cảm thấy thất vọng khi các nhiệm vụ hàng ngày trở nên khó khăn là điều phổ biến. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ giúp bạn hiểu chính xác nguyên nhân gây ra các triệu chứng này thông qua việc khám lâm sàng cẩn thận và các xét nghiệm hình ảnh.

Nếu bạn từng bị trật khớp trước đây, bạn có thể ý thức rõ hơn về cách khuỷu tay của mình di chuyển. Bạn có thể tránh một số tư thế nhất định để ngăn khớp bị dịch chuyển. Sự thận trọng này có thể dẫn đến cứng khớp theo thời gian. Bạn có thể nhận thấy rằng mình không thể duỗi hoặc gập cánh tay hoàn toàn như trước đây. Sự mất phạm vi vận động này có thể ảnh hưởng đến khả năng thực hiện các hoạt động thường ngày. Hiểu được những cảm giác này là bước đầu tiên để nhận được phương pháp điều trị đúng đắn nhằm khôi phục sự ổn định và thoải mái.

Những gì thực sự đang xảy ra

Khuỷu tay của bạn là một khớp bản lề phức tạp, dựa vào hai loại hỗ trợ để duy trì sự ổn định. Các chất ổn định tĩnh bao gồm các xương và dây chằng, hoạt động như những sợi dây chắc chắn. Các chất ổn định động là các cơ, có tác dụng kéo để giữ mọi thứ ở vị trí. Các bộ phận này phải hoạt động đồng bộ hoàn hảo. Khi chúng không hoạt động đồng bộ, khuỷu tay của bạn sẽ trở nên mất ổn định.

Sự mất ổn định này thường liên quan đến tổn thương các xương và các chất ổn định dạng dây chằng. Các dây chằng là những dải mô dày giữ khớp lại với nhau. Trong nhiều trường hợp, chấn thương gây ra mất ổn định xoay. Điều này có nghĩa là các xương xoay theo các hướng bất thường, chẳng hạn như ra sau và sang bên. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn phải giải quyết các lực xoay cụ thể này để khôi phục sự ổn định. Nếu chỉ một hướng được điều trị, khuỷu tay vẫn có thể cảm thấy lỏng lẻo hoặc đau.

Cơn đau và cảm giác khuỷu tay bị "bật" (giving way) mà bạn trải nghiệm bắt nguồn từ sự cố cơ học này. Khi không có sự hỗ trợ thích hợp, các bề mặt khớp cọ xát vào nhau một cách không đúng cách. Điều này có thể làm tăng áp lực lên sụn, là lớp phủ trơn tru ở đầu xương. Theo thời gian, sự hao mòn này có thể dẫn đến viêm xương khớp. Các triệu chứng là tín hiệu của cơ thể cho thấy tính toàn vẹn cấu trúc của khớp đã bị suy giảm.

Đôi khi, việc phân biệt giữa một khuỷu tay khỏe mạnh, linh hoạt và một khuỷu tay thực sự mất ổn định là rất khó. Siêu âm đơn thuần không phải lúc nào cũng có thể phân biệt được điều này. Đó là lý do tại sao bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn dựa vào tiền sử lâm sàng đầy đủ và khám thực thể. Họ tìm kiếm các mẫu chuyển động cụ thể cho biết chất ổn định nào đang suy yếu.

Điều trị nhằm sửa chữa hoặc thay thế các hỗ trợ bị tổn thương này. Các thủ thuật sửa chữa dây chằng có thể mang lại kết quả thỏa đáng, giúp bạn khôi phục phạm vi chuyển động gần như đầy đủ. Trong các trường hợp phức tạp hơn, có thể cần phải tái tạo để cân bằng các lực của khớp. Mục tiêu luôn là ngăn chặn sự xoay bất thường và khôi phục động học tự nhiên của khuỷu tay bạn.

Những gì chúng tôi có thể làm về vấn đề này

Hành trình đạt được sự ổn định của bạn bắt đầu bằng việc theo dõi cẩn thận và vận động nhẹ nhàng. Đối với các trường hợp trật khuỷu tay đơn thuần, bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ thực hiện đánh giá lâm sàng chi tiết và yêu cầu theo dõi bằng hình ảnh X-quang theo từng giai đoạn. Điều này đảm bảo khớp đang lành lại đúng cách mà không bị trật trở lại. Nếu tình trạng trật của bạn là đơn thuần, điều trị bảo tồn thường mang lại kết quả lâm sàng và chức năng tốt. Bạn sẽ làm việc với một chuyên viên vật lý trị liệu để khôi phục tầm vận động. Mục tiêu là phục hồi gần như đầy đủ tầm gập khuỷu tay và xoay cẳng tay. Bạn cần dành thời gian cho quá trình này. Sự kiên nhẫn là chìa khóa khi các dây chằng của bạn lành lại và cơ bắp khôi phục sức mạnh.

Nếu tình trạng đau hoặc cứng khớp vẫn tiếp diễn, bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn có thể thảo luận về các lựa chọn quản lý bằng thuốc. Những phương pháp điều trị này nhằm mục đích giảm viêm và bảo vệ khớp trong khi nó đang lành lại. Bạn có thể được tiêm thuốc để giúp kiểm soát các triệu chứng. Tiêm cortisone có thể giảm sưng và đau trong ngắn hạn. Tiêm axit hyaluronic có thể giúp bôi trơn khớp, mặc dù bằng chứng về lợi ích lâu dài còn khác nhau. Tiêm huyết tương giàu tiểu cầu (PRP) sử dụng các thành phần máu của chính bạn để thúc đẩy quá trình lành thương, nhưng kết quả có thể khác nhau ở mỗi người. Những lựa chọn này không khắc phục được tình trạng mất ổn định cấu trúc, nhưng chúng có thể giúp các hoạt động hàng ngày trở nên thoải mái hơn trong khi bạn tập trung vào quá trình phục hồi chức năng.

Phẫu thuật được xem xét khi điều trị bảo tồn đã đạt đến giới hạn hoặc khi tình trạng mất ổn định là phức tạp. Nếu bạn có tình trạng mất ổn định kết hợp theo cả hai hướng, phẫu thuật là cần thiết để khôi phục sự ổn định. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn có thể sửa chữa dây chằng liên hợp bên bằng cách tăng cường bằng băng chỉ khâu hoặc neo chỉ khâu. Đối với tình trạng mất ổn định muộn, họ có thể tái tạo dây chằng bằng cách sử dụng ghép gân từ một phần khác của cơ thể bạn. Trong các trường hợp nghiêm trọng mà khuỷu tay bị cứng hoặc dính, một thiết bị cố định ngoài có khớp xoay có thể được sử dụng cùng với quá trình sửa chữa. Đối với những bệnh nhân có mất xương đáng kể hoặc tổn thương dây chằng, việc thay thế khớp khuỷu tay toàn bộ có liên kết (thay khớp) có thể được ưu tiên hơn loại không liên kết để ngăn ngừa tình trạng mất ổn định thêm. Mặc dù kết quả phẫu thuật có thể chấp nhận được, nhưng các phương pháp điều trị vẫn còn đầy thách thức. Tỷ lệ cao tình trạng mất ổn định, cứng khớp hoặc đau kéo dài có thể xảy ra trong các trường hợp đòi hỏi cao. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ thảo luận xem lợi ích của phẫu thuật có vượt trội hơn những rủi ro này đối với tình trạng cụ thể của bạn hay không.

Những điều cần biết

Tiên lượng của bạn phụ thuộc phần lớn vào việc mất vững khuỷu tay của bạn là đơn giản hay phức tạp. Các trường hợp trật khớp đơn giản thường đáp ứng tốt với điều trị bảo tồn. Hầu hết bệnh nhân thấy các triệu chứng của họ biến mất hoàn toàn. Bạn thường có thể khôi phục lại gần như toàn bộ phạm vi gập và xoay cẳng tay. Kết quả chức năng nhìn chung là tốt.

Mất vững phức tạp liên quan đến tổn thương nhiều hơn đối với xương và dây chằng giữ khớp của bạn lại với nhau. Loại này khó điều trị hơn. Ngay cả với các kỹ thuật hiện đại, kết quả điều trị có thể gặp thách thức trong các trường hợp nặng. Bạn có thể phải đối mặt với tình trạng mất vững dai dẳng, cứng khớp, đau hoặc viêm xương khớp sau chấn thương. Những vấn đề này có thể kéo dài lâu sau khi chấn thương ban đầu.

Nếu bạn có tình trạng mất vững bên ngoài khuỷu tay mức độ nhẹ, bạn có thể tìm thấy sự giảm nhẹ thông qua các thủ thuật cụ thể như khâu gấp dây chằng. Tại thời điểm theo dõi trung vị hai năm, bệnh nhân báo cáo sự hài lòng chủ quan và kết quả lâm sàng tích cực. Đối với các trường hợp nghiêm trọng hơn cần sửa chữa hoặc tái tạo dây chằng, mục tiêu là khôi phục sự vững chắc. Tăng cường bằng băng chỉ khâu là một lựa chọn mang lại kết quả chức năng chấp nhận được. Tỷ lệ phẫu thuật lại cho các thủ thuật này tương đương với các phẫu thuật ổn định khớp khác.

Điều quan trọng cần biết là kết quả dài hạn đối với các chấn thương khuỷu tay phức tạp vẫn chưa được biết rõ. Chúng ta hiện chưa có đủ dữ liệu để dự đoán những gì xảy ra nhiều năm sau phẫu thuật. Trong một số trường hợp, dây chằng có thể không lành hoặc co lại đủ theo thời gian. Các vấn đề có thể xuất hiện thậm chí lên đến năm năm sau khi tháo bỏ khớp nhân tạo xương quay.

Nếu bỏ mặc, tình trạng mất vững thường sẽ dai dẳng. Khuỷu tay dựa vào các bộ phận ổn định tĩnh và động làm việc đồng bộ. Khi những bộ phận này thất bại, khớp trở nên không đáng tin cậy. Các trường hợp trật khớp đơn giản cần đánh giá chi tiết và theo dõi hình ảnh học tuần tự để đảm bảo quá trình lành thương đúng cách. Các trường hợp phức tạp thường cần can thiệp phẫu thuật ở cả hai hướng sau ngoài và sau trong để khôi phục sự vững chắc.

Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ điều chỉnh kế hoạch dựa trên kiểu tổn thương cụ thể của bạn. Dù bạn chọn quản lý không phẫu thuật hay phẫu thuật, việc theo dõi chặt chẽ là rất quan trọng. Siêu âm không thể phân biệt khách quan giữa các khớp khỏe mạnh và khớp quá lỏng lẻo, vì vậy tiền sử lâm sàng và khám bệnh của bạn là yếu tố then chốt. Hãy chuẩn bị tinh thần cho quá trình hồi phục đòi hỏi sự kiên nhẫn. Trong khi nhiều bệnh nhân có kết quả tốt, một số vẫn tiếp tục gặp phải các triệu chứng. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ giúp bạn vượt qua những khả năng này với những kỳ vọng thực tế.

Khi nào cần gặp bác sĩ

Hãy gặp bác sĩ đa khoa nếu bạn có đau khuỷu tay dai dẳng không cải thiện khi nghỉ ngơi. Hãy yêu cầu đánh giá bởi bác sĩ chuyên khoa nếu bạn cảm thấy yếu, mất ổn định, hoặc khớp bị khóa hoặc chùng xuống. Hãy tìm kiếm chăm sóc y tế nếu các triệu chứng ảnh hưởng đến giấc ngủ hoặc công việc của bạn. Sự xấu đi đột ngột sau một sự kiện chấn thương cũng cần được chú ý. Mất ổn định phức tạp liên quan đến các chất ổn định xương và dây chằng quan trọng. Trật khớp đơn giản cần đánh giá lâm sàng chi tiết và theo dõi X-quang tuần tự. Siêu âm không thể phân biệt khách quan giữa các khớp khỏe mạnh và khớp quá lỏng lẻo. Tiền sử và khám lâm sàng đầy đủ là rất quan trọng để chẩn đoán chính xác.


Evidence & references

Overview

  • Complex instability of the elbow involves important osseous and ligamentous stabilizers [1].
  • Management protocols exist for common patterns of complex elbow injury [1].
  • Combined posterolateral and posteromedial rotatory instability requires surgical addressing of both directions to restore elbow stability [2].
  • Effective treatment of simple elbow dislocations requires a detailed clinical assessment [3].
  • Effective treatment of simple elbow dislocations requires sequential radiographic follow-up [3].
  • Patients with lateral collateral ligament instability had resolution of symptoms and regained a near full arc of elbow flexion and forearm rotation [5].
  • Long-term outcomes with surgical management of complex elbow injuries are unknown [6].
  • Treatments for elbow instability remain challenging in demanding cases, with high rates of persistent instability, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness, and pain [8].
  • Ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament results in acceptable functional outcomes for complex elbow instability [9].
  • Ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament results in a reoperation rate comparable with other joint stabilization procedures for complex elbow instability [9].
  • Lateral collateral ligament repair provides satisfactory outcomes for acute posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow [11].
  • Instability is the major complication of unlinked total elbow arthroplasty, often requiring revision [13].
  • Linked total elbow arthroplasty is preferred for patients with posttraumatic articular damage, ligamentous instability, deformity, or bone loss [13].
  • All reconstruction methods for the lateral ulnar collateral ligament were able to sufficiently restore posterolateral rotatory stability of the elbow over the full range of motion [17].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • The elbow consists of static and dynamic stabilizers that function in synchrony to prevent elbow instability [4].
  • Complex instability of the elbow involves important osseous and ligamentous stabilizers [1].
  • Both posterolateral and posteromedial rotatory instability directions must be addressed surgically to restore elbow stability [2].
  • A distinction between healthy and hypermobile elbow joints is not possible via sonography, making complete clinical history and examination vital [7].
  • Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow remains to be fully understood [10].
  • Varus loads simulating everyday activities produce changes in varus joint angulation that are linearly dependent on the applied moment and persist after release of lateral stabilizing structures [26].
  • Proper balancing and adequate bone resection from the radial head are mandatory for obtaining normal elbow kinematics during radial head arthroplasty [27].
  • Elbow valgus torque increases contact pressure in the radiocapitellar joint [28].
  • The circumferential graft technique for multidirectional elbow instability was evaluated for stability against valgus and varus/posterolateral rotatory forces [29].
  • Proximal docking and single-point fixation hybrid ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions provided sufficient joint stability and strength compared to intact elbows, except for the proximal docking method at low flexion angles [30].
  • The Wrightington approach to the radial head is biomechanically superior to the posterolateral approach regarding changes in elbow laxity after surgery to the radial head [31].
  • Radial head displacement is greater after a simulated osteochondral lesion (OCL) at 30° to 60° of flexion compared with the intact elbow, but not as great as seen with sectioning of the lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) [32].
  • The capitellum alone does not contribute to elbow stability, whereas the trochlea has an important role [34].
  • A novel method for securing ligaments against bone during simultaneous medial and lateral elbow ligament reconstruction successfully prevented graft slippage without excessive construct displacement during static and dynamic testing [35].
  • The Orthofix elbow external fixator stabilizes the ligamentous unstable elbow joint efficiently but decreases the range of motion and constrains extension [36].
  • Both TightRope (TR) and traditional docking (DO) ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction techniques restored native joint kinematics from 15 to 75 degrees of flexion under low loading conditions [37].

Classification

  • Complex instability of the elbow involves important osseous and ligamentous stabilizers [1].
  • Combined posterolateral and posteromedial rotatory instability requires surgical addressing of both directions to restore stability [2].
  • Simple elbow dislocations require detailed clinical assessment and sequential radiographic follow-up for effective treatment [3].
  • The elbow consists of static and dynamic stabilizers that function in synchrony to prevent instability [4].
  • Lateral collateral ligament instability can result in symptoms of instability that resolve with treatment, allowing near full arc of elbow flexion and forearm rotation [5].
  • Long-term outcomes with surgical management of complex elbow injuries are unknown [6].
  • Sonography does not allow an objective and reproducible distinction between healthy and hypermobile elbow joints [7].
  • Treatments for elbow instability remain challenging, with high rates of persistent instability, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness, and pain in demanding cases [8].
  • Instability is the major complication of unlinked total elbow arthroplasty, often requiring revision [13].
  • Linked total elbow arthroplasty is preferred for patients with posttraumatic articular damage, ligamentous instability, deformity, or bone loss [13].
  • Acute elbow dislocations are traumatic events often resulting in pan-ligamentous disruption, suggesting the most common injury pattern may begin with medial-sided ligamentous disruption [14].
  • The posterolateral ligament of the elbow has a significant role in the elbow's posterolateral stability [16].
  • Stress ultrasonography shows different amounts of gapping with sectioning of the medial elbow stabilizers [24].

Clinical Presentation

  • Complex instability of the elbow involves important osseous and ligamentous stabilizers [1].
  • Combined posterolateral and posteromedial rotatory instability requires surgical addressing of both directions to restore stability [2].
  • Effective treatment of simple elbow dislocations requires a detailed clinical assessment and sequential radiographic follow-up [3].
  • The elbow consists of static and dynamic stabilizers that function in synchrony to prevent instability [4].
  • Patients with lateral collateral ligament instability had resolution of symptoms and regained a near full arc of elbow flexion and forearm rotation [5].
  • Long-term outcomes with surgical management of complex elbow injuries are unknown [6].
  • Sonography cannot objectively distinguish between healthy and hypermobile elbow joints, making complete clinical history and examination vital [7].
  • Treatments for elbow instability remain challenging with high rates of persistent instability, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness, and pain in demanding cases [8].
  • Patients after conservatively treated simple elbow dislocations show good clinical and functional results [12].
  • Acute elbow dislocations are traumatic events often resulting in pan-ligamentous disruption, suggesting the most common injury pattern may begin with medial-sided ligamentous disruption [14].
  • Elbow arthroscopy is a useful tool for managing valgus extension overload when conservative treatments have failed [15].
  • The posterolateral ligament of the elbow has a significant role in the elbow's posterolateral stability [16].
  • Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow exists in children but may be masked by contracture, with radiographs potentially showing evidence of instability [20].
  • Instability can coexist and may be associated with refractory lateral epicondylitis [21].
  • Symptomatic ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency in baseball players is associated with characteristic high-stress distribution patterns on the anterolateral part of the capitellum and the anterolateral part of the ulna [22].
  • Almost one half of patients suffering from recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis display signs of lateral ligamentous patholaxity [33].
  • Over 85% of patients with symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow (SMILE) demonstrate at least one intra-articular abnormality [33].

Investigations

  • Effective treatment of simple elbow dislocations requires a detailed clinical assessment [3].
  • Effective treatment of simple elbow dislocations requires sequential radiographic follow-up [3].
  • The elbow consists of static and dynamic stabilizers that function in synchrony to prevent elbow instability [4].
  • A distinction between healthy and hypermobile elbow joints is not possible using sonography [7].
  • Obtaining a complete clinical history and examination is vital because sonography cannot distinguish between healthy and hypermobile elbow joints [7].
  • Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow exists in children but may be masked by contracture [20].
  • Radiographs may show evidence of instability in children with posterolateral rotatory instability [20].
  • Instability can coexist and may be associated with refractory lateral epicondylitis [21].
  • Symptomatic ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency is associated with characteristic high-stress distribution patterns on the anterolateral part of the capitellum and the anterolateral part of the ulna [22].
  • Different amounts of gapping are seen on stress ultrasonography with sectioning of the medial elbow stabilizers [24].
  • No numerical value can confidently determine the pathologic status of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow when using stress radiography [40].
  • An MRI should be performed if healing does not occur by a reasonable time despite successful bony healing to assess potential cartilage damage [41].

Treatment

  • Effective treatment of simple elbow dislocations requires a detailed clinical assessment and sequential radiographic follow-up [3].
  • Patients after conservatively treated simple elbow dislocations show good clinical and functional results [12].
  • Both directions of instability must be addressed surgically to restore elbow stability in combined posterolateral and posteromedial rotatory instability [2].
  • Ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament results in acceptable functional outcomes and a reoperation rate comparable with other joint stabilization procedures for complex elbow instability [9].
  • Satisfactory outcomes are obtained with lateral collateral ligament repair for acute posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow [11].
  • All patients in the series had resolution of their symptoms of instability and regained a near full arc of elbow flexion and forearm rotation following treatment for lateral collateral ligament instability [5].
  • R-LCL plication produces subjective satisfaction and positive clinical results in patients presenting with symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow (SMILE) at 2-year median follow-up [18].
  • Both Jobe and Docking techniques are safe and effective in the treatment of posterolateral elbow instability [19].
  • Treatment of late instability is focused on lateral ligament reconstruction from the humerus to the ulna using tendon grafts with reasonably good outcomes [23].
  • Elbow arthroscopy is a useful tool for managing diseases of the elbow, including valgus extension overload, when conservative treatments have failed [15].
  • Ligament repair with suture anchors and hinged external fixator could be an option for treating ankylosed, severely or very severely stiff elbows after complete open release [39].
  • Instability is the major complication of unlinked total elbow arthroplasty, often requiring revision [13].
  • Linked arthroplasty is preferred for patients with posttraumatic articular damage, ligamentous instability, deformity, or bone loss [13].
  • Despite progress in surgical techniques and rehabilitation, treatments for elbow instability remain challenging with high rates of persistent instability, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness, and pain in demanding cases [8].
  • Long-term outcome with surgical management of complex elbow injuries is unknown [6].

Complications

  • Complex elbow instability involves important osseous and ligamentous stabilizers [1].
  • Combined posterolateral and posteromedial rotatory instability requires surgical addressing of both directions to restore stability [2].
  • Effective treatment of simple elbow dislocations requires detailed clinical assessment and sequential radiographic follow-up [3].
  • The elbow consists of static and dynamic stabilizers that function in synchrony to prevent instability [4].
  • Patients with lateral collateral ligament instability had resolution of symptoms and regained near full arc of elbow flexion and forearm rotation [5].
  • Long-term outcomes with surgical management of complex elbow injuries are unknown [6].
  • Sonography cannot objectively distinguish between healthy and hypermobile elbow joints, making complete clinical history and examination vital [7].
  • Ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament for complex elbow instability results in acceptable functional outcomes and a reoperation rate comparable with other joint stabilization procedures [9].
  • Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow remains to be fully understood [10].
  • Satisfactory outcomes were obtained with lateral collateral ligament repair for acute posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow [11].
  • Patients after conservatively treated simple elbow dislocations show good clinical and functional results [12].
  • Instability is the major complication of unlinked total elbow arthroplasty, often requiring revision [13].
  • Linked arthroplasty is preferred for patients with posttraumatic articular damage, ligamentous instability, deformity, or bone loss [13].
  • Acute elbow dislocations are traumatic events often resulting in pan-ligamentous disruption, suggesting the most common injury pattern may begin with medial-sided ligamentous disruption [14].
  • R-LCL plication produces subjective satisfaction and positive clinical results in patients presenting with symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow (SMILE) at 2-year median follow-up [18].
  • Ligaments of the elbow may not heal or tighten sufficiently over time, and removal of a radial head prosthesis may give rise to problems, even up to 5 years after prosthetic removal [25].
  • Longer-term studies are required to ascertain whether the apparent benefits of radial head arthroplasty are offset by late complications such as loosening [38].

Recovery

  • Effective treatment of simple elbow dislocations requires a detailed clinical assessment and sequential radiographic follow-up [3].
  • Patients after conservatively treated simple elbow dislocations show good clinical and functional results [12].
  • Residual increased valgus stress angulation and posterolateral rotatory translation can occur after simple elbow dislocation [12].
  • Ligaments of the elbow may not heal or tighten sufficiently over time, and removal of a radial head prosthesis may give rise to stability problems even up to 5 years after prosthetic removal [25].
  • For complex elbow instability, ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament results in acceptable functional outcomes [9].
  • Ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament for complex elbow instability has a reoperation rate comparable with other joint stabilization procedures [9].
  • Direct repair of traumatic tears of the lateral ulnar collateral ligumant yields satisfactory outcomes for acute posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow [11].
  • No significant difference in clinical outcome or range of motion was observed after direct repair of traumatic tears of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament between acute and delayed treatment cohorts [42].
  • R-LCL plication produces subjective satisfaction and positive clinical results in patients presenting with symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow (SMILE) at 2-year median follow-up [18].
  • Treatment of late instability is focused on lateral ligament reconstruction from the humerus to the ulna using tendon grafts, which yields reasonably good outcomes [23].
  • All patients in a series of lateral collateral ligament instability cases had resolution of their symptoms of instability and regained a near full arc of elbow flexion and forearm rotation [5].
  • Treatments for elbow instability remain challenging with high rates of persistent instability, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness, and pain in demanding cases [8].
  • Long-term outcome with surgical management of complex elbow injuries is unknown [6].

Key Evidence

  • [Paper] This article discusses the important osseous and ligamentous stabilizers of the elbow joint and provides management protocols for the common patterns of complex injury encountered by the practising surgeon. [1] (10.1016/j.injury.2013.09.032)
  • [L4] Both directions of instability must be addressed surgically to restore elbow stability. [2] (10.1016/j.injury.2007.01.039)
  • [L5] Effective treatment of simple elbow dislocations requires a detailed clinical assessment and sequential radiographic follow-up. [3] (10.1016/j.hcl.2015.06.002)
  • [L5] The elbow consists of static and dynamic stabilizers that function in synchrony to prevent elbow instability. [4] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2016.11.025)
  • [L4] All patients in the series had resolution of their symptoms of instability and regained a near full arc of elbow flexion and forearm rotation. [5] (10.1016/j.hcl.2007.11.001)
  • [L5] Long-term outcome with surgical management of complex elbow injuries is unknown. [6] (10.5435/00124635-200605000-00003)
  • [L3] Nevertheless, a distinction between healthy and hypermobile elbow joints is not possible, and therefore, obtaining a complete clinical history and examination is vital. [7] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.11.023)
  • [L5] Despite progress in surgical techniques and rehabilitation, treatments for elbow instability remain challenging with high rates of persistent instability, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness, and pain in demanding cases. [8] (10.1136/jisakos-2019-000316)
  • [L4] For complex elbow instability, ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament results in acceptable functional outcomes and a reoperation rate comparable with other joint stabilization procedures. [9] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.10.016)
  • [L4] PLRI of the elbow remains to be fully understood. [10] (10.1016/j.arthro.2014.02.029)
  • [L4] We obtained satisfactory outcomes with lateral collateral ligament repair for acute posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow. [11] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.06.018)
  • [L4] Patients after conservatively treated simple elbow dislocations show good clinical and functional results. [12] (10.1007/s00167-016-4176-0)
  • [L4] Instability is the major complication of unlinked total elbow arthroplasty, often requiring revision, whereas linked arthroplasty is preferred for patients with posttraumatic articular damage, ligamentous instability, deformity, or bone loss. [13] (10.1016/j.hcl.2007.11.002)
  • [L4] Acute elbow dislocations are traumatic events often resulting in pan-ligamentous disruption, suggesting that the most common injury pattern may begin with a medial-sided ligamentous disruption. [14] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.11.031)
  • [Paper] Elbow arthroscopy is a useful tool for managing diseases of the elbow, including valgus extension overload, when conservative treatments have failed. [15] (10.1016/j.eats.2016.04.005)
  • [L4] The PLL of the elbow has a significant role in the elbow's posterolateral stability. [16] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.08.033)
  • [L5] All reconstruction methods were able to sufficiently restore posterolateral rotatory stability of the elbow over the full range of motion. [17] (10.1007/s00167-015-3627-3)
  • [L4] R-LCL plication produces subjective satisfaction and positive clinical results in patients presenting with a symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow (SMILE) at 2-year median follow-up. [18] (10.1007/s00167-017-4531-9)
  • [L1] This systematic review showed that both Jobe and Docking techniques are safe and effective in the treatment of posterolateral elbow instability. [19] (10.1016/j.injury.2020.11.010)
  • [L4] Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow exists in children but may be masked by contracture; radiographs may show evidence of instability. [20] (10.2106/jbjs.l.00623)
  • [L1] Instability can coexist and may be associated with refractory lateral epicondylitis. [21] (10.1177/0363546520980133)
  • [L4] Symptomatic UCL insufficiency was associated with characteristic high-stress distribution patterns on the anterolateral part of the capitellum and the anterolateral part of the ulna. [22] (10.1177/0363546515624916)
  • [L5] Treatment of late instability is focused on lateral ligament reconstruction from the humerus to the ulna using tendon grafts with reasonably good outcomes. [23] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.10.030)
  • [L5] The results suggest that different amounts of gapping are seen on stress ultrasonography with sectioning of the medial elbow stabilizers. [24] (10.1177/0363546514542805)
  • [L5] This case illustrates that sometimes ligaments of the elbow may not heal or tighten sufficiently over time and that despite a careful examination elbow and forearm stability, removal of a radial head prosthesis may give rise to problems, even up to 5 years after prosthetic removal. [25] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.04.046)
  • [L5] Varus loads simulating everyday activities produce changes in the varus joint angulation of the elbow that are linearly dependent on the applied moment and persist after release of the lateral stabilizing structures. [26] (10.1177/03635465211018208)
  • [L5] Proper balancing and adequate bone resection from radial head is mandatory for obtaining normal elbow kinematics during the radial head arthroplasty procedure. [27] (10.1007/s00402-006-0164-z)
  • [L5] Elbow valgus torque increases contact pressure in the radiocapitellar joint. [28] (10.1177/0363546513490652)
  • [L5] The study evaluated stability against valgus and varus/posterolateral rotatory forces in cadaveric elbows. [29] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.07.016)
  • [L5] Both the proximal docking and the single-point fixation hybrid reconstructions provided sufficient joint stability and strength compared to the intact elbows, with the exception of the proximal docking method at low flexion angles. [30] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.07.040)
  • [L5] These results suggest that the newly described Wrightington approach is biomechanically superior to the posterolateral approach with regard to changes in elbow laxity after surgery to the radial head. [31] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.08.009)
  • [L5] The degree of radial head displacement is greater after a simulated OCL at 30° to 60° of flexion compared with the intact elbow but not as great as seen with sectioning of the LCLC. [32] (10.1016/j.jse.2018.02.045)
  • [L3] Almost one half of patients suffering from recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis display signs of lateral ligamentous patholaxity, and over 85% demonstrate at least one intra-articular abnormality. [33] (10.1007/s00167-017-4530-x)
  • [L5] While the capitellum alone does not contribute to elbow stability, the trochlea has an important role. [34] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.02.002)
  • [L5] This method of fixation to the proximal ulna for the simultaneous reconstruction of medial and lateral elbow ligaments successfully prevented graft slippage without excessive construct displacement during static and dynamic testing. [35] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.02.008)
  • [L5] The Orthofix elbow external fixator stabilizes the ligamentous unstable elbow joint efficiently but at the expense of changes in the normal motion pattern, specifically decreasing the range of motion and constraining extension. [36] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.07.012)
  • [L5] Both the TR and DO techniques restored native joint kinematics from 15 to 75 degrees of flexion under low loading conditions. [37] (10.1177/0363546513482567)
  • [L3] Longer-term studies will be required to ascertain whether the apparent benefits of radial head arthroplasty are offset by late complications of arthroplasty, such as loosening. [38] (10.1007/s11999-013-3331-x)
  • [L4] This could be an option for treating ankylosed, severely or very severely stiff elbows. [39] (10.1016/j.jse.2014.03.013)
  • [L3] No numerical value can confidently determine the pathologic status of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow when using stress radiography. [40] (10.1177/03635465010290050601)
  • [Case_report] The authors recommend performing an MRI if healing does not occur by a reasonable time despite successful bony healing to assess potential cartilage damage. [41] (10.1007/s00402-005-0018-0)
  • [L3] No significant difference in clinical outcome or range of motion was observed after direct repair of traumatic tears of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament between acute and delayed treatment cohorts. [42] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.02.011)

References

[1] Complex instability of the elbow. Injury. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2013.09.032 [2] Combined posterolateral and posteromedial rotatory instability of the elbow. Injury Extra. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2007.01.039 [3] Simple Elbow Dislocation. Hand Clinics. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2015.06.002 [4] Elbow Instability: Anatomy, Biomechanics, Diagnostic Maneuvers, and Testing. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2016.11.025 [5] Lateral Collateral Ligament Instability of the Elbow. Hand Clinics. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2007.11.001 [6] Complex Elbow Instability. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2006. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-200605000-00003 [7] Does sonography allow an objective and reproducible distinction between stable, hypermobile, and unstable elbow joints?. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.11.023 [8] Treatment of elbow instability: state of the art. Journal of ISAKOS. 2021. DOI: 10.1136/jisakos-2019-000316 [9] Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Suture-Tape Augmentation for Traumatic Elbow Instability. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.10.016 [10] Surgical Treatment of Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow. Arthroscopy. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2014.02.029 [11] Ligamentous repair of acute lateral collateral ligament rupture of the elbow. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2013.06.018 [12] Residual increased valgus stress angulation and posterolateral rotatory translation after simple elbow dislocation. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2016. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-016-4176-0 [13] Instability After Total Elbow Arthroplasty. Hand Clinics. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2007.11.002 [14] Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Acute Elbow Dislocation: Insight Into Mechanism. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.11.031 [15] Valgus Extension Overload: Arthroscopic Decompression in the Supine‐Suspended Position. Arthroscopy Techniques. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2016.04.005 [16] The posterolateral ligament of the elbow: anatomy and clinical relevance. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.08.033 [17] Reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow: a comparative biomechanical study. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2015. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-015-3627-3 [18] Arthroscopic R-LCL plication for symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow (SMILE). Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2017. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-017-4531-9 [19] Lateral collateral ulnar ligament reconstruction techniques in posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow: A systematic review. Injury. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2020.11.010 [20] Clinical Presentation of Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow in Children. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American Volume. 2013. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.l.00623 [21] Systematic Review of Elbow Instability in Association With Refractory Lateral Epicondylitis: Myth or Fact?. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2021. DOI: 10.1177/0363546520980133 [22] Alteration of Stress Distribution Patterns in Symptomatic Valgus Instability of the Elbow in Baseball Players. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/0363546515624916 [23] Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.10.030 [24] Stress Ultrasound Evaluation of Medial Elbow Instability in a Cadaveric Model. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2014. DOI: 10.1177/0363546514542805 [25] Delayed valgus instability and proximal migration of the radius after radial head prosthesis failure. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.04.046 [26] Lateral Elbow Laxity Is Affected by the Integrity of the Radial Band of the Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex: A Cadaveric Model With Sequential Releases and Varus Stress Simulating Everyday Activities. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2021. DOI: 10.1177/03635465211018208 [27] Importance of radial head on elbow kinematics: radial head prosthesis. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2006. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-006-0164-z [28] Biomechanical Characteristics of Osteochondral Defects of the Humeral Capitellum. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2013. DOI: 10.1177/0363546513490652 [29] The circumferential graft technique for treatment of multidirectional elbow instability: a comparative biomechanical evaluation. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2015.07.016 [30] A Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Hybrid Techniques for Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.07.040 [31] The Wrightington Approach to the Radial Head: Biomechanical Comparison With the Posterolateral Approach. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.08.009 [32] The contribution of the posterolateral capsule to elbow joint stability: a cadaveric biomechanical investigation. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2018.02.045 [33] Intra-articular findings in symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow (SMILE). Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2017. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-017-4530-x [34] Effect of coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus on elbow kinematics and stability. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.02.002 [35] Testing of a Novel Method for Securing Ligaments Against Bone During Simultaneous Medial and Lateral Elbow Ligament Reconstruction. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.02.008 [36] Kinematics of the ligamentous unstable elbow joint after application of a hinged external fixation device: A cadaveric study. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2006.07.012 [37] Biomechanical Evaluation of the TightRope Versus Traditional Docking Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Technique. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2013. DOI: 10.1177/0363546513482567 [38] Fixation Versus Replacement of Radial Head in Terrible Triad: Is There a Difference in Elbow Stability and Prognosis?. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s11999-013-3331-x [39] Stability of severely stiff elbows after complete open release: treatment by ligament repair with suture anchors and hinged external fixator. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2014.03.013 [40] Valgus Laxity of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow in Collegiate Athletes. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2001. DOI: 10.1177/03635465010290050601 [41] Are bone bruises a possible cause of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum? a case report and review of the literature. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2005. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-005-0018-0 [42] Direct Repair for Managing Acute and Chronic Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Disruptions. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.02.011

Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0

CC Creative Commons licence
BY Attribution — you must credit the source
NC NonCommercial — not for commercial use

Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International


Creative Commons Corporation ("Creative Commons") is not a law firm and does not provide legal services or legal advice. Distribution of Creative Commons public licenses does not create a lawyer-client or other relationship. Creative Commons makes its licenses and related information available on an "as-is" basis. Creative Commons gives no warranties regarding its licenses, any material licensed under their terms and conditions, or any related information. Creative Commons disclaims all liability for damages resulting from their use to the fullest extent possible.

Using Creative Commons Public Licenses

Creative Commons public licenses provide a standard set of terms and conditions that creators and other rights holders may use to share original works of authorship and other material subject to copyright and certain other rights specified in the public license below. The following considerations are for informational purposes only, are not exhaustive, and do not form part of our licenses.

Considerations for licensors: Our public licenses are intended for use by those authorized to give the public permission to use material in ways otherwise restricted by copyright and certain other rights. Our licenses are irrevocable. Licensors should read and understand the terms and conditions of the license they choose before applying it. Licensors should also secure all rights necessary before applying our licenses so that the public can reuse the material as expected. Licensors should clearly mark any material not subject to the license. This includes other CC- licensed material, or material used under an exception or limitation to copyright. More considerations for licensors: wiki.creativecommons.org/Considerations_for_licensors

Considerations for the public: By using one of our public licenses, a licensor grants the public permission to use the licensed material under specified terms and conditions. If the licensor's permission is not necessary for any reason--for example, because of any applicable exception or limitation to copyright--then that use is not regulated by the license. Our licenses grant only permissions under copyright and certain other rights that a licensor has authority to grant. Use of the licensed material may still be restricted for other reasons, including because others have copyright or other rights in the material. A licensor may make special requests, such as asking that all changes be marked or described. Although not required by our licenses, you are encouraged to respect those requests where reasonable. More considerations for the public: wiki.creativecommons.org/Considerations_for_licensees


Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License

By exercising the Licensed Rights (defined below), You accept and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License ("Public License"). To the extent this Public License may be interpreted as a contract, You are granted the Licensed Rights in consideration of Your acceptance of these terms and conditions, and the Licensor grants You such rights in consideration of benefits the Licensor receives from making the Licensed Material available under these terms and conditions.

Section 1 -- Definitions.

a. Adapted Material means material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights that is derived from or based upon the Licensed Material and in which the Licensed Material is translated, altered, arranged, transformed, or otherwise modified in a manner requiring permission under the Copyright and Similar Rights held by the Licensor. For purposes of this Public License, where the Licensed Material is a musical work, performance, or sound recording, Adapted Material is always produced where the Licensed Material is synched in timed relation with a moving image.

b. Adapter's License means the license You apply to Your Copyright and Similar Rights in Your contributions to Adapted Material in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Public License.

c. Copyright and Similar Rights means copyright and/or similar rights closely related to copyright including, without limitation, performance, broadcast, sound recording, and Sui Generis Database Rights, without regard to how the rights are labeled or categorized. For purposes of this Public License, the rights specified in Section 2(b)(1)-(2) are not Copyright and Similar Rights.

d. Effective Technological Measures means those measures that, in the absence of proper authority, may not be circumvented under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, and/or similar international agreements.

e. Exceptions and Limitations means fair use, fair dealing, and/or any other exception or limitation to Copyright and Similar Rights that applies to Your use of the Licensed Material.

f. Licensed Material means the artistic or literary work, database, or other material to which the Licensor applied this Public License.

g. Licensed Rights means the rights granted to You subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, which are limited to all Copyright and Similar Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material and that the Licensor has authority to license.

h. Licensor means the individual(s) or entity(ies) granting rights under this Public License.

i. NonCommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation. For purposes of this Public License, the exchange of the Licensed Material for other material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights by digital file-sharing or similar means is NonCommercial provided there is no payment of monetary compensation in connection with the exchange.

j. Share means to provide material to the public by any means or process that requires permission under the Licensed Rights, such as reproduction, public display, public performance, distribution, dissemination, communication, or importation, and to make material available to the public including in ways that members of the public may access the material from a place and at a time individually chosen by them.

k. Sui Generis Database Rights means rights other than copyright resulting from Directive 96/9/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 1996 on the legal protection of databases, as amended and/or succeeded, as well as other essentially equivalent rights anywhere in the world.

l. You means the individual or entity exercising the Licensed Rights under this Public License. Your has a corresponding meaning.

Section 2 -- Scope.

a. License grant.

1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, the Licensor hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-sublicensable, non-exclusive, irrevocable license to exercise the Licensed Rights in the Licensed Material to:

a. reproduce and Share the Licensed Material, in whole or in part, for NonCommercial purposes only; and

b. produce, reproduce, and Share Adapted Material for NonCommercial purposes only.

2. Exceptions and Limitations. For the avoidance of doubt, where Exceptions and Limitations apply to Your use, this Public License does not apply, and You do not need to comply with its terms and conditions.

3. Term. The term of this Public License is specified in Section 6(a).

4. Media and formats; technical modifications allowed. The Licensor authorizes You to exercise the Licensed Rights in all media and formats whether now known or hereafter created, and to make technical modifications necessary to do so. The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures. For purposes of this Public License, simply making modifications authorized by this Section 2(a) (4) never produces Adapted Material.

5. Downstream recipients.

a. Offer from the Licensor -- Licensed Material. Every recipient of the Licensed Material automatically receives an offer from the Licensor to exercise the Licensed Rights under the terms and conditions of this Public License.

b. No downstream restrictions. You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any recipient of the Licensed Material.

6. No endorsement. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be construed as permission to assert or imply that You are, or that Your use of the Licensed Material is, connected with, or sponsored, endorsed, or granted official status by, the Licensor or others designated to receive attribution as provided in Section 3(a)(1)(A)(i).

b. Other rights.

1. Moral rights, such as the right of integrity, are not licensed under this Public License, nor are publicity, privacy, and/or other similar personality rights; however, to the extent possible, the Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any such rights held by the Licensor to the limited extent necessary to allow You to exercise the Licensed Rights, but not otherwise.

2. Patent and trademark rights are not licensed under this Public License.

3. To the extent possible, the Licensor waives any right to collect royalties from You for the exercise of the Licensed Rights, whether directly or through a collecting society under any voluntary or waivable statutory or compulsory licensing scheme. In all other cases the Licensor expressly reserves any right to collect such royalties, including when the Licensed Material is used other than for NonCommercial purposes.

Section 3 -- License Conditions.

Your exercise of the Licensed Rights is expressly made subject to the following conditions.

a. Attribution.

1. If You Share the Licensed Material (including in modified form), You must:

a. retain the following if it is supplied by the Licensor with the Licensed Material:

i. identification of the creator(s) of the Licensed Material and any others designated to receive attribution, in any reasonable manner requested by the Licensor (including by pseudonym if designated);

ii. a copyright notice;

iii. a notice that refers to this Public License;

iv. a notice that refers to the disclaimer of warranties;

v. a URI or hyperlink to the Licensed Material to the extent reasonably practicable;

b. indicate if You modified the Licensed Material and retain an indication of any previous modifications; and

c. indicate the Licensed Material is licensed under this Public License, and include the text of, or the URI or hyperlink to, this Public License.

2. You may satisfy the conditions in Section 3(a)(1) in any reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which You Share the Licensed Material. For example, it may be reasonable to satisfy the conditions by providing a URI or hyperlink to a resource that includes the required information.

3. If requested by the Licensor, You must remove any of the information required by Section 3(a)(1)(A) to the extent reasonably practicable.

4. If You Share Adapted Material You produce, the Adapter's License You apply must not prevent recipients of the Adapted Material from complying with this Public License.

Section 4 -- Sui Generis Database Rights.

Where the Licensed Rights include Sui Generis Database Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material:

a. for the avoidance of doubt, Section 2(a)(1) grants You the right to extract, reuse, reproduce, and Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database for NonCommercial purposes only;

b. if You include all or a substantial portion of the database contents in a database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights, then the database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights (but not its individual contents) is Adapted Material; and

c. You must comply with the conditions in Section 3(a) if You Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 4 supplements and does not replace Your obligations under this Public License where the Licensed Rights include other Copyright and Similar Rights.

Section 5 -- Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability.

a. UNLESS OTHERWISE SEPARATELY UNDERTAKEN BY THE LICENSOR, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE LICENSOR OFFERS THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS-IS AND AS-AVAILABLE, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE LICENSED MATERIAL, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHER. THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR DISCOVERABLE. WHERE DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS DISCLAIMER MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

b. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS PUBLIC LICENSE OR USE OF THE LICENSED MATERIAL, EVEN IF THE LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES. WHERE A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

c. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability.

Section 6 -- Term and Termination.

a. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically.

b. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates:

1. automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or

2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License.

c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License.

d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.


Creative Commons is not a party to its public licenses. Notwithstanding, Creative Commons may elect to apply one of its public licenses to material it publishes and in those instances will be considered the “Licensor.” The text of the Creative Commons public licenses is dedicated to the public domain under the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. Except for the limited purpose of indicating that material is shared under a Creative Commons public license or as otherwise permitted by the Creative Commons policies published at creativecommons.org/policies, Creative Commons does not authorize the use of the trademark "Creative Commons" or any other trademark or logo of Creative Commons without its prior written consent including, without limitation, in connection with any unauthorized modifications to any of its public licenses or any other arrangements, understandings, or agreements concerning use of licensed material. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph does not form part of the public licenses.

Creative Commons may be contacted at creativecommons.org.