Ligaments are fibrous tissue that connects one bone to another.
There are two ligaments that stabilize the elbow joint: the ulnar collateral ligament and the radial collateral ligament.
The ulnar collateral ligament is fan shaped. It is located on the inside of the joint, extending from medial epicondyle of the humerus to the proximal portion of the ulna. It prevents excessive outward rotation of the elbow joint.
The radial collateral ligament is also fan shaped. It is located on the outside of the joint, extending from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus to the head of the radius. It prevents excessive inward rotation of the elbow joint.
The surgery involves replacing the ulnar collateral ligament with a tendon that is obtained elsewhere in the body. Common sites include the forearm, knee and hamstring.