Annular ligament

Annular ligament

Anatomy

A strong fibrous band which encircles the head of the radius. It attaches to the anterior and posterior border of the radial notch of the ulna.

The superior margin of this ligament blends with the fibrous membrane of the elbow joint capsule. The ligament also blends laterally with the radial collateral ligament.

Functions

The ligament holds the head of the radius in contact with the ulna’s radial notch to form the superior radioulnar joint. It allows for supination and pronation of the forearm.

Clinical

Dislocation of this joint is common in young children. It frequently happens from a sharp jerk to the arm of the child e.g. pulling the child’s arm while running to catch a bus or pulling the child away from danger.

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