Ligaments of the Elbow and Forearm

Question 1

Ulnar collateral ligament function

Answer 1

-triangular shaped
-resists excessive cubital valgus - 20-130 degrees of motion

ANTERIOR BAND
-strongest and stiffest elbow collateral ligament
-taut in terminal extension
-stabilizes elbow against valgus stress between 20-120
-secondary restraint at end range flexion beyond 120

POSTERIOR BAND - from the medial epicondyle to the central and lateral portion of the coronoid process
-weakest band (fan-shaped)
-taut beyond 55 degrees elbow flexion
-secondary restraint to valgus stress at lesser degrees of flexion
- equal co-restraint with the anterior band at terminal flexion–> especially in the overhead athlete

TRANSVERSE BAND- oblique band/bundle
-originates and inserts on the ulna
-little role in elbow stability
-deepens the socket for the trochlea ** PRIMARY PURPOSE

Question 2

Ulnar collateral ligament attachments

Answer 2

-from medial epicondyle to medial margin of coronoid process & olecranon process

-the transverse band originates and inserts on the ulna

Question 3

Radial collateral lig function

Answer 3

fan shaped from the lateral epicondyle
-blends with the annular ligament
-consistent tension throughout arc of flexion

-restrains against varus load at the elbow
-prevents radial head from subluxing out of annular ligament/restraint of posterolateral instability of the radial head

Question 4

radial collateral lig attachments

Answer 4

from the lateral epicondyle to annular ligament

Question 5

annular lig function

Answer 5

stabilizes the proximal radioulnar joint

-provides 80% of the articular surface of the humeral radial joint
-stabilizes radial head
-maintains relationship between radial head and ulna
-forms proximal radioulnar joint
-permits pronation and supination

Question 6

annular lig attachments

Answer 6

from the anterior margin of the radial notch to posterior margin of radial notch of the ulna surrounding head of radius

Question 7

interosseous membrane attachments

Answer 7

from the interosseous border of the radius to the interosseous border of the ulna

Question 8

Elbow capsule characteristics

Answer 8

-thin, but strong
-does not respond well to injury or immobilization–> thick scare tissue resulting in flexion contractures

Question 9

injury to the ulnar collateral ligament

Answer 9

most commonly the anterior band is ruptured

varied repair and reconstruction techniques –> ex: autograft of palmaris longus tendon