The elbow contains four main ligaments. These crucial structures connect the bones of the elbow, providing stability and support for movement.
Key Ligaments of the Elbow
While some sources mention three main ligaments, the most comprehensive understanding points to four:
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Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Located on the inner (pinky finger side) aspect of the elbow, it connects the ulna (forearm bone) to the humerus (upper arm bone). This ligament is frequently injured in throwing sports, leading to conditions like "Little League Elbow." [See references: Johns Hopkins Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic].
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Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): Situated on the outer (thumb side) aspect of the elbow, it connects the radius (forearm bone) to the humerus. [See references: Patrick Jost MD, Orthopaedic Specialists at Washington University].
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Annular Ligament: This ligament encircles the head of the radius, helping to stabilize the proximal radioulnar joint (the joint between the radius and ulna near the elbow). Although not always explicitly included in the "main" ligament count, its role in elbow stability is significant.
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Quadrate Ligament: This ligament connects the ulna and radius, further contributing to the stability of the radioulnar joint.
Several sources highlight the medial and lateral collateral ligaments as the primary ligaments. However, a complete picture includes the annular and quadrate ligaments, as they are crucial for the overall function and stability of the elbow.
The discrepancies in the number of ligaments mentioned across sources may stem from different levels of detail and focus on specific aspects of elbow anatomy. This response synthesizes information to provide a complete understanding. [See references: Various sources cited above demonstrating varied counts, including a count of three and four.]
