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Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries

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.

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What is an Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury?

Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

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.

Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries: Overview
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Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Treatment

With and Without Surgery

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.

Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries: Treatment Options
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Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Surgery

Surgical Demonstrations

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.

Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries: Ligament Reconstruction With Tape Augmentation
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