Reinvestigation of the Morphological Characteristics of the Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament in Humans

Abstract

Summary: To clarify the cause of posterolateral rotatory instability after damage to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL), the morphological characteristics of the LUCL were reinvestigated and three-dimensional (3D) image of the ligament was reconstructed using 35 human elbows. The results were as follows: 1) the insertion point of the LUCL on the humerus was almost at the center of the capitellum, and its width was 2.61 ± 1.02 mm. The insertion point of the LUCL on the ulna was located from the lesser sigmoid notch to the supinator crest and had a width of 9.0 ± 2.8 mm. The proximal insertion of the LUCL on the ulna was 7.0 ± 3.0 mm, and the distal part was on the articular surface of the radial head. 2) Three-dimensional imaging of the LUCL revealed an anterior curved shape that covered the radial head. Based on these results, it was clear that both the supinator crest and the lesser sigmoid notch could be useful as osseous landmarks. We think that these anatomical results are useful for surgeons performing LUCL reconstruction.

The lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow in a Thai population: an anatomical study of 56 cadaveric specimens

“…According to our data, the LUCL covers 33% of the radial head, and Tokunaga et al. (2017) reported that LUCL covers approximately 33% to 50% of the radial head.…”

“…According to our data, the LUCL covers 33% of the radial head, and Tokunaga et al (2017) reported that LUCL covers approximately 33% to 50% of the radial head. This can be use as additional guidance for surgeons to ensure adequate coverage of the LUCL on the radial head so as to restore proper varus stability.…”