Lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow

Last revised by Domenico Nicoletti on 26 Feb 2023

The lateral collateral ligament complex or radial collateral ligament complex is a major lateral stabilizer of the elbow joint and resists varus stress.

The LCL is a Y-shaped ligamentous complex composed of three parts 1,2:

  1. annular ligament

    • from sigmoid notch to supinator crest of the ulna bone

    • forms a sling around the radial head

  2. radial collateral ligament

  3. lateral ulnar collateral ligament

    • lateral epicondyle to supinator crest of the ulna

  • accessory lateral collateral ligament 1

    • may be present in up to 33% of patients

    • runs from annular ligament to supinator crest

    • acts to reinforce the annular ligament

  • absence of lateral ulnar collateral ligament 1

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