Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Wrist

Description

The UCL of the wrist is marked in green

UCL of the wrist

Name

• Ulnar Collateral Ligament
• Internal Lateral Ligament
• Ulnar Carpal Collateral Ligament
• Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Wrist Joint

General

• Extrinsic dorsal ulnocarpal ligament
• Functions as a part of the triangular fibrocartilage complex

Gross Anatomy

• Attached above/proximal to the end of the styloid process of the ulna
• Divides below into two fasciculi
• One of which is attached to the medial side of the triquetral bone, deep to extensor carpi ulnaris tendon
• The other side is attached to to the pisiform, flexor retinaculum

Ultrasound Features

• Transducer: place over ulnar styloid process and rotate probe to triquetrum
• Ligament appears slightly echogenic, fibrillary structure
• Found deep to extensor carpi ulnaris tendon

MRI Features

• Best seen on coronal views

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Clinical Significance

• Needs to be updated

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See Also

• Wrist Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Wrist
• Wrist Pain Main

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