The radial collateral ligament (RCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), or external lateral ligament is a ligament in the elbow on the side of the radius.

Structure

The composition of the triangular ligamentous structure on the lateral side of the elbow varies widely between individuals and can be considered either a single ligament, in which case multiple distal attachments are generally mentioned and the annular ligament is described separately, or as several separate ligaments, in which case parts of those ligaments are often described as indistinguishable from each other. In the latter case, the ligaments are collectively referred to as the lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC), consisting of four ligaments:

Clinical significance

The radial collateral ligament may be involved in lateral epicondylitis.

Additional images

Explanations