Anatomical basis for dislocations and recurring dislocations of the elbow

: The authors report on a static and dynamic study of the lig. collaterale radiale. The essential role of the middle bundle, which can always be isolated on fresh cadaver, is stressed. A new theory on the mechanism of elbow dislocation is thus justified. By analogy with recurring dislocations of the shoulder, the authors consider that operations attempting to reestablish the tension of this ligament are justified. Such operations can be focused on the middle bundle of the lig. collaterale radiale.