We are pleased to announce that Dr. Burke Gao, MD, from Northwell Health / Lenox Hill Hospital – Manhattan Orthopedics, will be delivering a presentation on Lateral Elbow Instability: Diagnosis, Surgical Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the elbow with emphasis on the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex, its components (LUCL, RCL, annular ligament), and its role in resisting varus and posterolateral rotatory forces.

2. Identify and recognize the clinical features, mechanisms of injury, and physical examination maneuvers associated with posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI), including the pivot shift, drawer, and apprehension tests, and interpret relevant imaging findings on varus stress and MRI evaluations.

3. Describe the operative techniques for management of acute and chronic lateral elbow instability, including direct repair versus reconstruction of the LUCL complex, tendon graft options (palmaris, gracilis, hamstring), and the 'docking' technique for anatomic restoration of stability.

4. Outline the nonoperative and postoperative rehabilitation principles, including protected early range of motion, splinting/brace protocols, and progressive strengthening to restore motion while preventing recurrent instability and stiffness.

5. Identify the pros and cons of different treatment strategies, comparing outcomes of nonoperative care, primary repair, and ligament reconstruction, and discuss potential complications such as recurrent instability, stiffness, and graft failure.

SPEAKER BIO:

Dr. Burke Gao, MD is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic hand and upper extremity surgeon at Northwell Health Lenox Hill Hospital and Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

He specializes in the comprehensive care of the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow, with a particular focus on sports-related conditions in athletes, nerve injuries and reconstruction, and acute trauma. His expertise spans sport specific care, advanced microsurgical techniques, tendon and ligament reconstruction, fracture management, and procedures to restore motion and strength following complex injuries.

Dr. Gao is dedicated to providing individualized, evidence-based care that helps patients return to their active lives whether on the playing field, in the workplace, or at home.

An active academic surgeon, Dr. Gao has published widely on hand and upper extremity surgery, sports medicine, and patient education. His research has appeared in journals such as the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, American Journal of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, and the Journal of Hand Surgery. He has presented his research nationally and internationally, including at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand.

Dr. Gao has received numerous national awards including competitive research scholarships from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association. He has also been awarded honors from the American Academy of Pediatrics Orthopaedic Section, Cervical Spine Research Society and Arthroscopy Journal

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