Ligaments of the Elbow, Lateral View

Description

Lateral elbow anatomy is organized around the distal humerus articulating with the proximal radius and ulna, with the capitulum lying anterior and lateral to the trochlea and the radial head cupping it inferiorly. Along the lateral epicondyle, the radial collateral ligament fans distally to blend with the annular ligament, which encircles the radial head at the proximal radioulnar joint. Posteriorly, the olecranon of the ulna forms the bony tip of the elbow, while the radial head sits anterolateral to the coronoid process in near-constant contact with the capitellum during flexion and extension. Clear bony landmarks anchor the capsular attachments. This lateral perspective matters because the lateral collateral ligament complex is the primary restraint to posterolateral rotatory instability, a pattern of subluxation often following a fall on the outstretched hand or iatrogenic injury after lateral elbow surgery. Varus stress, the pivot-shift test, and the classic “chair push-up” apprehension signs all trace back to failure of the lateral ulnar collateral component as it courses from the lateral epicondyle to the supinator crest of the ulna. It is also the view that best clarifies why annular ligament integrity is central to radial head stability, including pediatric nursemaid’s elbow (radial head subluxation). Educators will find this plate well suited for upper limb anatomy teaching (gross anatomy, kinesiology, and orthopedic modules) when introducing elbow articulation, capsular anatomy, and ligament-based stability concepts. It also supports surgical and sports medicine content on lateral epicondylar approaches, LUCL reconstruction planning, and interpretation of lateral elbow radiographs where alignment of the radial head with the capitellum is a key check. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.