Transverse Ligament of the Elbow

ligamentum transversum cubiti

The transverse ligament of the elbow (ligament of Cooper) is a thin fibrous band connecting the medial edge of the coronoid process to the inferior olecranon, running transversely across the medial elbow. It is considered a minor stabiliser and has variable presence across anatomical studies.

Region: Upper Arm

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Provides minor medial stability to the ulnohumeral joint by bridging the coronoid-olecranon gap, preventing excessive medial joint opening.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The transverse elbow ligament is of limited clinical significance in isolation but is disrupted in medial elbow injuries involving the coronoid and olecranon. It is visualised on MRI as a thin low-signal band on the medial elbow. During medial elbow repair after terrible triad injuries, reconstruction of the transverse ligament may be considered when the medial coronoid and olecranon are both fractured.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Medial Elbow Complex Instability

Combined disruption of the transverse elbow ligament, MCL, and coronoid in terrible triad injuries producing multiplanar elbow instability requiring comprehensive ligamentous and bony reconstruction.