Anatomic Study of the Medial Collateral Ligament in Thai Population: A Cadaveric Study of 56 Elbows.

Abstract

This study aims to elucidate basic anatomic and geometric features of MCL, providing more accurate and detailed information, as guidance for surgeons, to improve patient's outcome of the treatment. The anterior bundle (AB), posterior bundle (PB) and transverse bundle (TB) ligament of 56 fresh frozen Thai cadaveric elbows, were measured and recorded, comprise key ligament's geometric features, footprints and dimensions, and its relation to bony landmarks. Sagittal and coronal planes were used in respect of the anatomical position. The mean distance between the center of AB origin and the apex of medial epicondyle is as follows: 2.97 ± 2.21mm anteriorly, 4.73 ± 1.60mm inferiorly in the sagittal plane, and 4.23 ± 1.13mm deep from the epicondyle in the coronal plane. Its dimension is 6.23 ± 1.02mm in width and 45.97 ± 6.75mm in length. The ligament's insertion triangular shape has its base located 28.44 ± 3.51mm anterior from the posterior olecranon border, and 22.52 ± 2.49mm superior from the inferior ulnar border. The tip located 50.79 ± 4.86mm anterior from the posterior olecranon border and 17.64 ± 2.80mm superior from the inferior ulnar border. Apprehension of the precise geometries and distances of the ligament's footprint relative to key anatomical point is crucial. This stereographically comprehended data are useful for surgeon as reference points to obtain stability, motion, kinetic, and kinematic properties of the elbow. Level V evidence. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-022-00648-x.