Radial Collateral Ligament

The bony architecture of the elbow contributes to the stability of the joint, which is reinforced by the medial (ulnar) and lateral (radial) collateral ligaments, which provide most of the stability. 

The lateral aspect of the elbow is best examined with both elbows in extension, thumbs up, palms of the hands together (Barr and Babcock 1991). When examining the radial collateral ligament and the capsule, the elbow should be extended, keeping the hand pronated. Along the lateral elbow, high-resolution US can demonstrate the common extensor tendon, the lateral ulnar collateral ligament, the radial nerve with its superficial and deep (posterior interosseous nerve) branches, and the radio-capitellar joint. 

Lateral epicondyle of humerus, radial collateral ligament of elbow, supinator crest of ulna. 

Somatic dysfunctions can involve contraction of the related muscles, compression of the neural elements, strain of the ligamentous aspects, and restriction primarily of the secondary motions of the joint components. The radial head typically entails posterior or anterior dysfunctions and may involve the muscles, the annular ligament, and the lateral collateral ligament. The humero-olecranon dysfunctions can involve the muscles, the medial collateral ligament, and can be related to symptoms involving the ulnar nerve. Restriction of elbow... 

The lateral collateral ligamentous complex is more variable than the medial one. It consists of the radial... 

Fig. 8.41. Partial-thickness tear of the common extensor tendon. Long-axis 12-5 MHz US image in a manual laborer who presented with acute onset of lateral elbow pain reveals a linear hypoechoic split star) extending from the lateral epicondyle (LE) through the substance of the common extensor tendon origin. The torn deep libers arrowheads) are retracted just distal to the hypoechoic area. Note the integrity of the underlying lateral ulnar collateral ligament asterisks). RH, radial head...

The metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb plays a major role in handgrip. Similar to the other fingers, the radial and ulnar collateral ligaments of the thumb join the metacarpal head to the base of the proximal phalanx, limiting translational movements of the thumb in the coronal plane. From the functional point of view, the ulnar collateral ligament plays the most important role because it prevents exces-... 

The lateral collateral ligament complex also consists of four components the lateral ulnar collateral ligament, the fan-shaped radial collateral ligamenf the accessory collateral ligament, and the annular UgamenL This complex restrains the elbow from varus torques. The lateral ulnar... 

---