Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries: Overview

Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries: Overview

This video will provide an overview of injuries to the elbow’s lateral collateral ligament complex, also known as the L C L. The LCL complex is on the outer side of the elbow and lies between the humerus, radius, and ulna bones in this area.

The lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow consists of 4 ligaments. Ligaments are soft-tissue structures that connect bone to bone. This complex of ligaments is the most important in stabilizing several joints in the elbow, including the radiohumeral, radioulnar, and ulnohumeral joints. If the complex is damaged, a condition called posterolateral rotatory instability, or P L R I, will develop. PLRI occurs on a spectrum. The elbow becomes unstable as the joints slip out of normal alignment.

Injury to this complex and PLRI can occur in a variety of ways. Most commonly, it is the result of trauma. Trauma to this complex occurs with a fall on an outstretched hand and can be associated with elbow dislocation. Elbow dislocations account for about a quarter of all elbow injuries. After dislocation, approximately 1/3 of patients will have recurrent lateral elbow instability.

In this injury pattern, 3 types of force are applied to this structure. These include upward rotation of the forearm, inward force to the outside of the elbow, and direct force from the impact of the hand and wrist below. Other factors may contribute to injury to the LCL complex, including prior breaks in the bones around the elbow or prior steroid injections for tennis elbow.

If this structure is injured, pain to the lateral or outside of the elbow will occur. Certain motions may aggravate pain, including bending and straightening the elbow or turning the forearm upwards. The elbow joint may feel unstable or loose when moving. Additionally, clicking or catching may be noted by the patient.