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.
| Origin | Medial margin of the coronoid process |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Medial margin of the olecranon |
Bridges the coronoid and olecranon along the medial ulna, slightly deepening the trochlear notch. Because both its attachments are on the ulna, it contributes little to valgus stability.
The transverse elbow ligament is of limited clinical significance in isolation and is not routinely repaired or reconstructed. It is visualised on MRI as a thin low-signal band on the medial elbow. During medial elbow surgery it is identified mainly so that the functionally important anterior and posterior bundles of the ulnar collateral ligament can be correctly recognised.
The transverse bundle may be torn along with the anterior and posterior bundles in elbow dislocation or valgus injury; treatment is directed at the anterior bundle and the associated bony injuries.
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