The radial collateral ligament (RCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), or external lateral ligamentAs opposed to the "internal lateral ligament", better known as the medial or

ulnar collateral ligament Ulnar collateral ligament (or UCL), may refer to: * Ulnar carpal collateral ligament * Ulnar collateral ligament of elbow joint The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) or internal lateral ligament is a thick triangular ligament at the medial aspec ...

is a

ligament A ligament is the fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones. It is also known as ''articular ligament'', ''articular larua'', ''fibrous ligament'', or ''true ligament''. Other ligaments in the body include the: * Peritoneal li ...

in the

elbow The elbow is the region between the arm and the forearm that surrounds the elbow joint. The elbow includes prominent landmarks such as the olecranon, the cubital fossa (also called the chelidon, or the elbow pit), and the lateral and the media ...

on the side of the

radius In classical geometry, a radius ( : radii) of a circle or sphere is any of the line segments from its center to its perimeter, and in more modern usage, it is also their length. The name comes from the latin ''radius'', meaning ray but also the ...

Structure

The composition of the triangular ligamentous structure on the lateral side of the elbow varies widely between individuals, see als
Figure 4
/ref> and can be considered either a single ligament, in which case multiple distal attachments are generally mentioned and the annular ligament is described separately, or as several separate ligaments, in which case parts of those ligaments are often described as indistinguishable from each other. In the latter case, the ligaments are collectively referred to as the lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC), consisting of four ligaments: * the radial collateral ligament roper(RCL), from the lateral epicondyle to the annular ligament deep to the

common extensor tendon The common extensor tendon is a tendon that attaches to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Structure The common extensor tendon serves as the upper attachment (in part) for the superficial muscles that are located on the posterior aspect o ...

* the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL), from the lateral epicondyle to the supinator crest on the ulna. Near the attachment on the humerus this ligament is normally indistinguishable from the RCL and can be considered the posterior portion of it. described the distal part of the LUCL as "a definite bundle which normally crosses the annular band and gains attachment to the supinator crest, frequently to a special tubercle on that crest" but didn't name it. * the annular ligament (AL), from the posterior to the anterior margins of

radial notch The radial notch of the ulna (lesser sigmoid cavity) is a narrow, oblong, articular depression on the lateral side of the coronoid process; it receives the circumferential articular surface of the head of the radius. It is concave from before bac ...

on the ulna, encircles the

head of radius The head of the radius has a cylindrical form, and on its upper surface is a shallow cup or fovea for articulation with the capitulum of the humerus. The circumference of the head is smooth; it is broad medially where it articulates with the ra ...

and holds it against the radial notch of ulna. * the accessory lateral collateral ligament (ALCL), from the inferior margin of the annular ligament to the supinator crest.

Clinical significance

The radial collateral ligament may be involved in

lateral epicondylitis Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis or enthesopathy of the extensor carpi radialis origin, is a condition in which the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender. The pain may also extend into the back of the forearm. Onset ...

Additional images

File:Elbow joint - deep dissection (anterior view, human cadaver).jpg, Elbow joint. Deep dissection. Anterior view. File:Slide2xzxzxz.JPG, Elbow joint. Deep dissection. Anterior view.

Explanations

References

Bibliography

* * * * {{Authority control Ligaments of the upper limb