Stabilizing effect of an elbow orthosis with an adjustable hinge axis after lateral collateral ligament injury: A biomechanical study.

Background: Current commercial elbow braces have a straight hinge that does not account for the native carrying angle of the elbow. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a custom-designed hinged elbow orthosis (HEO) with variable valgus angulations in stabilizing a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) deficient elbow.

Methods: Eight cadaveric upper extremities were mounted in an elbow motion simulator in the abducted varus gravity-loaded position.