Elbow Ligament Injuries

The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (upper arm bone) to the radius and ulna (forearm bones). The joint allows both flexion (bending the elbow) and extension (straightening the elbow) movements.

There are three main ligaments in the elbow joint; the medial collateral ligament, the lateral collateral ligament and the annular ligament. Ligaments are short tough bands of fibrous connective tissue. They are attached to bones or cartilage and are responsible for holding bones together and stabilising joints.

In the elbow the medial collateral ligament is found on the inside of the elbow, the lateral collateral ligament on the outer aspect of the elbow and the annular ligament encircles the head of the radius, stabilising it inside a groove known as the radial notch. Although ligaments are relatively strong and rigid by nature, it is possible to injure them.

Ligament injuries, also known as ligament sprains, are caused when the fibres become stretched or torn, or even when a ligament completely ruptures. The worse the sprain or injury the more it will affect the ligament. Ligaments sprains or injuries can be classified into three grades:

The following tests might be suggested to help in diagnosis:

Grade 1 - is a stretching of the ligament or very mild tear. There is little to no instability of the joint resulting from this type of sprain and whilst there may not be much pain or inflammation, a mild sprain can increase the risk of re-injury.

Grade 2 - is a more severe but still incomplete tear of the ligament. This results in some joint laxity or loss of stability. Swelling and bruising are usually present with this grade of ligament injury and use of the joint can be difficult.

Grade 3 - is a complete tear or rupture of the ligament. This will result in severely swelling, bruising and bleeding under the skin. As a result of a grade 3 ligament injury the joint is unstable and unable to bear weight resulting in a severe loss of function.