Effect of forearm abduction on the ulnar collateral ligament

Seven fresh cadaveric elbows from one woman and three men were studied to determine if the forearm abduction mobilization commonly used to restore the last 20 degrees of elbow extension produced an increase in the length of the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament. Initial ligament length and maximum length during mobilization were measured with a dial caliper and recorded on videocassette. Results indicated no significant difference between ligament lengths at rest and during the mobilization. The mechanism by which the forearm abduction mobilization restores elbow extension remains unknown.