Idea Transcript
Ad will disappear in 28 sec Skip Now
T H E BASIC S
H EAD
N EU R O AN AT O MY
N EC K
T H O R AX
THE ELBOW JOINT
BAC K
U PPER LIMB
LO WER LIMB
ABD O MEN
PELVIS
3D BO D Y Original Author: Oliver Jones Last Updated: April 15, 2017 Revisions: 28
This is an advertisement
Home / The Upper Limb / The Elbow Joint
Tweet
Contents
Share 32
[show]
The elbow is the joint connecting the proper arm to the forearm. It is marked on the upper limb by the medial and lateral epicondyles, and the olecranon process. Structurally, the joint is classed as a synovial joint, and functionally as a hinge joint. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the elbow joint; its articulating surfaces, movements, stability, and the clinical relevance.
Structures of the Elbow Joint Articulating Surfaces
Quiz
Question 1 / 9
Which of the following does NOT contribute to the articulatory surface of the elbow joint? Trochlea of the humerus Head of the radius
It consists of two separate articulations:
Capitulum of the humerus
Trochlear notch of the ulna and the trochlea of the humerus Head of the radius and the capitulum of the humerus Note: The proximal radioulnar joint is found within same joint capsule of the elbow, but most resources consider it as a separate articulation.
Glenoid labrum Submit Answer
Fig 1.0 – Anterior and posterior views of the articulations of the elbow joint
Joint Capsule and Bursae Like all synovial joints, the elbow joint has a capsule enclosing the joint. This in itself is strong and fibrous, strengthening the joint. The joint capsule is thickened medially and laterally to form collateral ligaments, which stabilise the flexing and extending motion of the arm. A bursa is a membranous sac filled with synovial fluid. It acts to cushion the moving parts of a joint, preventing degenerative damage. There are many bursae in the elbow, but only a few have clinical importance: Intratendinous – located within the tendon of the triceps brachii. Subtendinous – between the olecranon and the tendon of the triceps brachii, reducing friction between the two structures during extension and flexion of the arm. Subcutaneous – between the olecranon and the overlying connective tissue
Ligaments The joint capsule of the elbow is strengthened by ligaments medially and laterally. The radial collateral ligament is found on the lateral side of the joint, extending from the lateral epicondyle, and blending with the annular ligament of the radius (a ligament from the proximal radioulnar joint).
Recommended For You
The ulnar collateral ligament originates from the medial epicondyle, and attaches to the coronoid process and olecranon of the ulna.
The Wrist Joint Fig 1.1 – Ligaments of the elbow joint.
Neurovasculature The arterial supply to the elbow joint is by the cubital anastamosis, which includes recurrent and collateral branches from the brachial and deep brachial arteries. Its nerve supply is provided by the median, musculocutaneous and radial nerves anteriorly, and the ulnar nerve posteriorly.
Movements of the Joint The orientation of the bones forming the elbow joint produces a hinge type synovial joint, which allows for extension and flexion of the forearm: Extension: Triceps brachii and anconeus Flexion: Brachialis, biceps brachii, brachioradialis Note – pronation and supination do not occur at the elbow – they are produced at the nearby radioulnar joints.
+ Clinical Relevance: Injuries to the Elbow Joint Bursitis Subcutaneous bursitis: Repeated friction and pressure on the bursa can cause it become inflamed. Because this bursa lies relatively superficially, it can also become infected (e.g cut from a fall on the elbow), and this would also cause inflammation Subtendinosus bursitis: This is caused by repeated flexion and extension of the forearm, commonly seen in assembly line workers. Usually flexion is more painful as more pressure is put on the bursa.
Dislocation An elbow dislocation usually occurs when a young child falls on a hand with the elbow flexed. The distal end of the humerus is driven through the weakest part of the joint capsule, which is the anterior side. The ulnar collateral ligament is usually torn and there can also be ulnar nerve involvement Most elbow dislocations are posterior, and it is important to note that elbow dislocations are named by the position of the ulna and radius, not the humerus.
Fig 1.2 – X-ray of a posterior dislocation of the elbow.
Epicondylitis (Tennis elbow or Golfer’s Elbow) Most of the flexor and extensor muscles in the forearm have a common tendinous origin. The flexor muscles originate from the medial epicondyle, and the extensor muscles from the lateral. Sportspersons can develop an overuse strain of the common tendon – which results in pain and inflammation around the area of the affected epicondyle. Typically, tennis players experience pain in the lateral epicondyle from the common extensor origin. Golfers experience pain in the medial epicondyle from the common flexor origin.
Supracondylar Fracture A supracondylar fracture occurs by falling on a flexed elbow. It is a transverse fracture, spanning between the two epicondyles. Direct damage, or swelling can cause the interference to the blood supply of the forearm via the brachial artery. The resulting ischaemia can cause Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture – uncontrolled flexion of the hand, as flexors muscles become fibrotic and short. There also can be damage to the medial, ulnar or radial nerves.
Rate This Article
Give us your feedback...
Send Your Feedback! 46
Average Rating:
The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is intended for medical education, and does not create any doctor-patient relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter this site.
HOME ABOUT ADVERTISE WITH US PRIVACY POLICY CONTACT US