Anatomic and histologic studies of lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow joint

Functional Anatomy of the Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex of the Elbow: Morphology and Strain

“…Reports of posterolateral rotatory instability due to dysfunction of the lateral ligament complex of the elbow have increased in number, (Abe et al, 1997;Cohen and Hastings, 1997;Dunning et al, 2001;Hannouche and Begue, 1999;Imatani et al, 1999;King et al, 2002;Olsen et al, 1996aOlsen et al, ,b, 1998Seki et al, 2002), but the anatomy and function of this ligament remain controversial.…”

“…In their serial sectioning study, they reported that the LUCL, the annular ligament, and extensor muscle origin provide stability through fascial bands and intermuscular septa. Imatani et al (1999) later performed a histological study which concluded that the LUCL existed in all specimens, but was only slender and ill defined capsuloligamentous structure. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the anatomy and function of the LUCL in order to determine the best position of the elbow for suturing and postoperative immobilization after reconstruction procedures for PLRI.…”

Objective Analysis of Lateral Elbow Exposure with the Extensor Digitorum Communis Split Compared with the Kocher Interval

“…Anterior elevation and retraction of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle is necessary to incise the joint capsule anterior to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament, but this is difficult because of the close apposition of the extensor carpi ulnaris fascia with the capsuloligamentous complex. In a series of microscopic observations of cross-sections of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament complex in fifteen cadavers, Imatani et al 17 found that the superficial fibers of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament blended with the intermuscular fascia of the extensor carpi ulnaris and the supinator muscles. Macroscopically, they observed the superficial fibers of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament to be hardly distinguishable from the intermuscular fascia of the extensor carpi ulnaris and the supinator muscles.…”

Soft-tissue stabilizers of the elbow

“…30 In an anatomic and histologic study, the LUCL was shown to adhere closely to the supinator, the extensor musculature, the intermuscular fascia, and the anconeus muscles. 19 It was also shown to lie posterior to the RCL. Whereas it may be seen to be distinctly separate from the RCL proximally, it appears to blend with the AL distally as it inserts into the ulna as the conjoined ligament attachment.…”