The role of the posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament in posteromedial rotatory instability of the elbow.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate two hypotheses. First, that disruption of posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament (PMCL) has to occur for the elbow to subluxate in cases of posteromedial rotatory instability (PMRI) and second, that ulnohumeral contact pressures increase after disruption of the PMCL. Materials and Methods: Six human cadaveric elbows were prepared on a custom-designed apparatus which allowed muscle loading and passive elbow motion under gravitational varus. Joint contact pressures were measured sequentially in the intact elbow (INTACT), followed by an anteromedial subtype two coronoid fracture (COR), a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear (COR + LCL), and a PMCL tear (COR + LCL + PMCL). Results: There was no subluxation or joint incongruity in the INTACT, COR, and COR + LCL specimens. All specimens in the COR + LCL + PMCL group subluxated under gravity-varus loads. The mean articular contact pressure of the COR + LCL group was significantly higher than those in the INTACT and the COR groups. The mean articular contact pressure of the COR + LCL + PMCL group was significantly higher than that of the INTACT group, but not higher than that of the COR + LCL group. Conclusion: In the presence of an anteromedial fracture and disruption of the LCL, the posterior bundle of the MCL has to be disrupted for gross subluxation of the elbow to occur. However, elevated joint contact pressures are seen after an anteromedial fracture and LCL disruption even in the absence of such subluxation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1060-5.

Physiotherapy methods of relieving pain.

Management of pain in the person with arthritis requires interdisciplinary team work with the patient being the final manager. It is important that any health care provider perceive the patient as a person who happens to have arthritis--not as 'an "arthritic".' Defining a person by one's disease process is dehumanizing. The patient has the same aspirations as anyone who is ablebodied--to be free from disease. While the patient may know that a cure is not imminent, there is still the hope for one. Therefore, as the patient comes for physiotherapy, there may be a hidden wish that the moist packs, TENS, or therapeutic pool will be curative. It is important that the patient understand that no equipment in the physiotherapy department has curative powers. This will help avoid unnecessary dependency behaviours on the part of the patient. Careful instruction and supervision of the patient by the physiotherapist, in concert with reinforcement from the physician, can prepare the patient to apply heat, cold, or a variety of treatments at home. Although the patient is given the responsibility for this part of his care, periodic follow-up and reassessment should be completed to determine changes in his physiological, psychological, and functional status. Physiotherapists who have a clear understanding of the physical treatment of pain associated with the rheumatic diseases can be a valuable asset to medical care.