1. Introduction
- The elbow
joint is a hinge type of synovial joint.
- It
connects the arm (humerus) with the forearm (radius and ulna).
- Allows
mainly flexion and extension.
2. Articular Surfaces
- Between:
- Lower end
of humerus:
- Trochlea → articulates with ulna
- Capitulum →
articulates with head of radius
- Upper end
of radius and ulna:
- Trochlear notch of ulna fits the trochlea
- Head of radius fits the capitulum
3. Ligaments
- Capsule –
Encloses the joint
- Ulnar
collateral ligament (medial side)
- Radial
collateral ligament (lateral side)
- Annular ligament –
Encircles head of radius (helps in supination-pronation)
4. Relations
Anterior
- Brachialis
muscle
- Median
nerve
- Brachial
artery
Posterior
- Triceps
muscle
- Olecranon
process
- Ulnar
nerve (runs behind medial epicondyle)
Medial
- Ulnar
nerve
- Medial
epicondyle of humerus
Lateral
- Radial
nerve
- Lateral
epicondyle of humerus
Superior
- Lower end
of humerus
Inferior
- Upper ends
of radius and ulna
- Biceps
tendon and brachialis muscle
5. Blood Supply
- Anastomosis
around elbow formed by:
- Brachial
artery
- Radial
artery
- Ulnar
artery
- Profunda
brachii
6. Nerve Supply
- Supplied
by:
- Median
nerve
- Radial
nerve
- Ulnar
nerve
- Musculocutaneous
nerve
7. Movements of the
Elbow Joint
- Flexion – by
Biceps brachii, Brachialis, Brachioradialis
- Extension – by
Triceps brachii, Anconeus
8. Clinical Anatomy
- Dislocation – Common
in children
- Tennis
elbow – Pain on lateral side due to overuse (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s
elbow – Pain on medial side (medial epicondylitis)
- Fracture
of olecranon – Affects triceps extension
- Ulnar
nerve injury – “Funny bone” pain when struck
Tags
ANATOMY