- Discussion:
- strong and well-defined, arise from antero-inferior surface of medial epicondyle and inserts at the sublimis tubercle, adjacent to the joint
surface;
- primary constraint to valgus instability;
- in flexion, MCL provides 54% of valgus stability;
- radial head is most important secondary stabilizer to valgus stress;
- sub-portions of the anterior oblique bundle:
- anterior band:
- primary restraint to valgus rotation at 30, 60, and 90 deg of flexion and is a co-primary restraint at 120 deg;
- this band is more likely to be injured with the elbow in extension;
- posterior band:
- co-primary restraint at 120 deg;
- this band is more likely to be injured in flexion (but injury to this band usually occurs along with injury to the anterior band);
- Exam:
- anterior bundle of the MCL is tested with the elbow in 90 deg of flexion
Biomechanical evaluation of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow.