title: Characterization of the Supinator Tubercle for Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) reconstruction requires proper understanding and identification of anatomic structures about the lateral elbow. The insertion site of the LUCL is based on the supinator tubercle.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To characterize the supinator tubercle relative to other surrounding anatomic landmarks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive laboratory study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Computed tomography (CT) scans of 10 adult elbows were retrospectively reviewed. These CT scans were converted into patient-specific 3-dimensional computer models. Using a user-defined coordinate system, an ulnar Cartesian coordinate system was defined with anatomic landmarks as reference points to standardize the position of each model. The length of the supinator crest was measured. Following this, the crest was examined for a distinct raised bony tuberosity that would be consistent with the supinator tubercle. If no distinctly raised tubercle was noted, the most prominent appearing location of the crest distal to the radial notch was considered the tubercle. The distance from the proximal radial head junction to the supinator tubercle was recorded. Finally, the distance from the supinator crest at the radial head junction to the posterior cortex in the sagittal plane was measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The supinator tubercle was found to be prominent in 5 of 10 ulnar models. The supinator crest was 43.59 ± 13.28 mm long, and the supinator tubercle lateral extrusion was 5.60 ± 0.90 mm. The distance between the radial head junction and the supinator tubercle was found to be 15 ± 2.37 mm, and the distance from the supinator crest at the radial head junction to the posterior cortex was 10.25 ± 2.07 mm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The supinator tubercle is frequently not prominent or easily recognizable. Its relationship to other structures is of value. The proximal border of the radial head, residing 15 mm proximal to the most predictable location of the supinator tubercle, is a useful landmark when drilling tunnels during LUCL reconstructions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this study may aid proper anatomic LUCL reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Permanente, San Diego, California, USA.
authors.forename: Oke A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Anakwenze
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Krishn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Khanna
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: William N
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Ahmad
keywords: CT imaging; anatomy; elbow; lateral ulnar collateral reconstruction; posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow; supinator tubercle