This cadaveric dissection study defined the quantitative anatomy and function of the elbow collateral ligaments. It mapped ligament origins and insertions relative to the flexion axis and measured how their lengths change through the flexion arc. The work characterized a lateral ulnar collateral ligament inserting on the crista supinatoris.
The core teaching point is that ligament behavior follows its position relative to the flexion axis.
The radial collateral ligament origin lies on the axis and is isometric, which is why you must find that isometric point when reconstructing the lateral side. The medial ligament origin is eccentric and tensions like a cam through flexion, which is why MCL reconstruction tension must be set with the axis in mind and why graft placement error changes tension across the arc.
This paper is the anatomic basis for the lateral ulnar collateral ligament as the key restraint against posterolateral rotatory instability. When you see varus or rotatory laxity after radial head excision or a lateral approach, suspect inadvertent detachment at the crista supinatoris.
Practical corollary: keep lateral capsular incisions anterior and longitudinal, and place the arthroplasty axis to match the native elbow so collateral tension stays balanced.
This cadaveric dissection study defined the quantitative anatomy and function of the elbow collateral ligaments. It mapped ligament origins and insertions relative to the flexion axis and measured how their lengths change through the flexion arc. The work characterized a lateral ulnar collateral ligament inserting on the crista supinatoris.
The core teaching point is that ligament behavior follows its position relative to the flexion axis.
The radial collateral ligament origin lies on the axis and is isometric, which is why you must find that isometric point when reconstructing the lateral side. The medial ligament origin is eccentric and tensions like a cam through flexion, which is why MCL reconstruction tension must be set with the axis in mind and why graft placement error changes tension across the arc.
This paper is the anatomic basis for the lateral ulnar collateral ligament as the key restraint against posterolateral rotatory instability. When you see varus or rotatory laxity after radial head excision or a lateral approach, suspect inadvertent detachment at the crista supinatoris.
Practical corollary: keep lateral capsular incisions anterior and longitudinal, and place the arthroplasty axis to match the native elbow so collateral tension stays balanced.