Functional anatomy of the lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow: Configuration of Y and its role

Elbow anatomy and structural biomechanics

“…King et al performed a study showing that a single-strand lateral ulnar collateral (LCL) ligament reconstruction restored both varus and posterolateral rotatory stability in elbows in which the LCL was disrupted at the lateral epicondyle (ie, both radial collateral and lateral ulnar collateral ligaments were severed) and the annular ligament was left intact [34]. Seki and coauthors proposed a bYQ configuration for the lateral collateral ligament complex, in which anterior and posterior bands restrain the radial head (essentially corresponding to the annular ligament) and a superior band connects the other two bands to the lateral epicondyle (essentially the radial and lateral ulnar collateral ligaments) [35]. They showed the importance of the radial head in maintaining tension in the ligament complex as it is compressed into the radioulnar joint by a varus force.…”

Elbow Instability

“…Dunning et al demonstrated that sectioning of either the RUHL or RCL alone was insuffi cient to induce PLRI [ 9 ]. Seki et al demonstrated that the LCL has a Y-shaped confi guration and functions as a complex [ 10 ]. Sectioning of just the anterior band of the LCL was enough to produce PLRI.…”

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

“…The primary functions of the complex are to restrain varus and rotational articulations 2) and to stabilize the structure between ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations 3,4) . The LUCL adheres to both the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (blending with the fibers of the AL) and the supinator crest of the ulna 5) , and it plays a major role in providing restraint to control posterolateral stability 5,6) .…”