The lateral collateral ligament of the elbow is a structure made up of four different ligaments at the outer side of the elbow. These ligaments connect the forearm bones to the upper arm bone and help stabilize the elbow.
Injuries to the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow are most often the result of a traumatic injury, such as a fall on an outstretched hand. This type of injury can sprain or tear the ligament and often dislocates the elbow, resulting in elbow instability and pain with bending and straightening the arm.
Mild ligament injuries can be treated with activity modification, physical therapy, medication, and bracing. If the elbow joint is dislocated at the time of injury, it must first be relocated back in place and then immobilized in a brace or splint to allow the joint to heal. More severe cases may require surgery to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligament.
During surgery for a lateral collateral ligament injury of the elbow, a surgeon makes an incision along the outer side of the elbow. This allows the surgeon to access the damaged ligament for repair or reconstruction.
