Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026

Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Radial collateral ligament of the elbow: sonographic characterization with cadaveric dissection correlation and
Jon A Jacobson1, Mary M Chiavaras2, Jason Michael Lawton2
1Departments of Radiology (J.A.J., B.D., C.M.Y.) and Orthopedic Surgery (J.M.L., J.L.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA; and Department of Diagnostic Imaging, McMaster University, Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. jjacobsn@umich.edu.
Objectives:
An abnormality of the radial collateral ligament (RCL) in the setting of lateral epicondylitis can indicate a poor clinical outcome; therefore, accurate assessment is important. The purpose of this study was to characterize the proximal RCL attachment, or footprint, as seen on sonography using cadaveric dissection correlation and magnetic resonance arthrography.
Methods:
For the first part of this study, 4 cadaveric elbow specimens were imaged with sonography before and after dissection to characterize the RCL. After Institutional Review Board approval with consent waived, 26 consecutive magnetic resonance (MR) arthrograms of the elbow were identified. The sonograms and MR arthrograms were retrospectively reviewed to measure the length of the RCL footprint and its percentage of the combined RCL and common extensor tendon (CET) humeral footprints.
Results:
The mean RCL footprint length and percentage of the combined RCL and CET footprints were 8.4 mm (range, 7.4-10.0 mm) and 54% as measured from the elbow specimen sonograms and 9.1 mm (range, 6.4-12.5 mm) and 54% as measured from the MR arthrograms. The mean RCL footprint length combining data from specimens and MR arthrograms was 8.9 mm (range, 6.4-12.5 mm), covering 54% of the combined RCL and CET footprints.
Conclusions:
The RCL can be differentiated from the CET on sonography with knowledge of the RCL humeral footprint extent, which measured 8.9 mm in length and comprised 54% of the combined RCL and CET footprints.
More Related Videos
05:18Author Spotlight: Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
10:36Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...