Long radiolunate ligament

The long radiolunate ligament (LRL; Volar radiolunate ligament; Radiolunotriquetral ligament; Volar radiotriquetral ligament) ( is one of the palmar (volar) extrinsic radiocarpal ligaments, connecting the distal radius to the lunate. It is a component of the palmar radiocarpal ligament complex, which also includes the radioscaphocapitate, radioscapholunate, and short radiolunate ligaments.

Origin and course — The long radiolunate ligament arises from the palmar rim of the distal radius just ulnar to the radioscaphocapitate (RSC) ligament, from which it is separated throughout its course by the interligamentous sulcus. It runs obliquely and distally, passing palmar to (and supporting, but remaining separate from) the palmar aspect of the scapholunate interosseous ligament.

Insertion — It inserts into the radial half of the palmar surface of the lunate.

Structure — Like the other palmar radiocarpal ligaments, it is intracapsular, enveloped within a continuous superficial fibrous stratum and a deep synovial stratum.

Function — The LRL is a primary restraint against ulnar translation of the carpus, acting together with the short radiolunate and dorsal radiocarpal ligaments. It also serves as a secondary stabilizer of the scapholunate joint, and biomechanically contributes to constraining wrist range of motion; combined sectioning of the scapholunate interosseous, dorsal intercarpal, and long radiolunate ligaments produces significant increases in radial deviation, radial-extension, and ulnar-flexion, with a proximal shift of the center of rotation toward the radiocarpal joint.

Vickers ligament - A pathologically hypertrophic anomalous volar radiolunate ligament (Vickers ligament) is the distinguishing feature of true Madelung deformity, tethering the radius and TFCC to the lunate and restricting physeal growth.