Method for measuring the displacement of cadaveric elbow after the section of medial collateral ligament anterior and posterior bundles

The posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow prevents the posterior dislocation of the elbow itself. In this paper a method, based on motion capture, to evaluate the biomechanical role of the bundles of the medial collateral ligament is presented. Anatomical sections of ligaments, and valgus and varus stresses were implemented on a cadaveric elbow. Clusters of markers are fixed on operational table, humerus and ulna. The motion of the ulna with respect to the humerus during manoeuvres is recorded and processed. Results of the measuring methodology allow to evaluate elbow stability. Three conditions are compared: elbow with intact MCL, anterior bundle section, anterior plus posterior bundle sections. A progressive increased dislocation of the elbow is quantified. The method is recognised as a valid instrument to asses bundle function in pre and post ligaments reconstruction surgery.