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# Quadrate ligament

The quadrate ligament is a thin sheet just below the annular ligament at the elbow; it limits how far the radius spins at the end of rotation.

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## What it is

A thin band under the annular ligament, from the radial neck to the ulna.

## What it does

Limits spinning of the radius at the end of rotation.

## Key points

- Also called Denucé's ligament: a thin sheet that closes the gap between the lower edge of the radial notch and the radial neck, just below the annular ligament
- Reinforces the lower capsule of the proximal radioulnar joint and covers the synovial pouch that bulges below the annular ligament (sacciform recess)
- One of a chain of soft-tissue ties between [radius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radius/) and ulna, with the annular ligament, the [oblique cord](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/oblique-cord/) and the interosseous membrane

## Key facts

**Attaches**
Radial notch of the ulna to the neck of the radius

**Function**
Limits spin of the radial head

**Tight in**
End of supination (and pronation)

## Relations

**Above**
Lower border of the [annular ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/annular-ligament-of-the-radius/)

**Medial**
Lower edge of the radial notch of the [ulna](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ulna/)

**Lateral**
Medial side of the radial neck

**Deep**
Synovial membrane of the proximal radioulnar joint (sacciform recess)

## How to find it

Not palpable: it lies deep to the [supinator](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/supinator/), just below the annular ligament. In a lateral approach to the radial [head and neck](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/head-and-neck/) it is met as a thin layer of capsule after the annular ligament is exposed.

## On imaging

Too thin to see on radiographs. High-resolution MRI of the elbow may show it as a thin low-signal band below the annular ligament; it is rarely reported on its own.

## Clinical notes

- Rarely injured alone; it tears with the annular ligament in radial head dislocations and Monteggia injuries
- Dissection on the radial neck below the annular ligament, where this ligament lies, puts the [posterior interosseous nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-interosseous-nerve/) at risk; pronating the forearm moves the nerve away
- Rheumatoid synovitis can distend the capsule around the radial neck and is one recognised cause of posterior interosseous nerve compression

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Where does the quadrate ligament lie?

Just below the annular ligament, from the lower edge of the radial notch of the ulna to the neck of the radius.

## What movement does the quadrate ligament limit?

Spin of the radial head, becoming taut at the end of supination and pronation.

## In which injuries is the quadrate ligament torn?

Rarely alone; it tears with the annular ligament in radial head dislocations and Monteggia injuries.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
ligamentum quadratum TA2 1779

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Ligamento cuadrado

**English (TA2)**
Quadrate ligament

## Related

- [Annular ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/annular-ligament-of-the-radius/)
- [Radius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radius/)
- [Ulna](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ulna/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Elbow Annular Ligament](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538494/); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Proximal Radio-Ulnar Joint](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551614/); Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Radioulnar Articulation (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/quadrate-ligament/
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