Anatomical parameters in the lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction: a cadaver study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Anatomy
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) is crucial for elbow stability.
• Accurate identification of the LUCL's ulnar insertion is vital for successful ligament reconstruction surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To precisely identify the ulnar insertion of the LUCL.
• To establish anatomical parameters using the olecranon tip and radial head for guiding LUCL reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of 13 fresh cadaveric elbows to study the LUCL.
• Measurement of LUCL footprint dimensions and distances to the radial head and olecranon tip using a digital pachimeter.

Main Results:

• The mean length of the LUCL footprint was 9.35 mm.
• Average distances from the radial head to the proximal and distal ulnar LUCL insertions were 13.6 mm and 22.99 mm, respectively.
• Average distances from the olecranon tip to the proximal and distal ulnar LUCL insertions were 38.25 mm and 47.6 mm, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The LUCL exhibits a wide ulnar footprint, averaging 9.3 mm.
• The midpoint of the ulnar insertion can be estimated at 18.2 mm from the radial head and 42.9 mm from the olecranon tip.