Elbow

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

  • Elbow complex is designed to serve hand.
  • They provide MOBILITY for Hand in space by  apparent shortening and Lengthening of upper  extremity.
  • They provide Stability for skillful and forceful  movements [1]

[2]

HumeroUlnar Joint[edit | edit source]

Articulations of HumeroUlnar Joint[edit | edit source]

  • The articulating surface on the Humerus is Hour glass  shaped TROCHLEA
  • The articulating surface on Ulna is  a semicircular shaped  concave surface called  TROCHLEAR NOTCH[1]

HumeroRadial Joint[edit | edit source]

Articulations of HumeroRadial Joint[edit | edit source]

  • The  articulating surface on the Humerus is spherical –  shaped  CAPITULUM
  • The  articulating surface on the RADIUS is the cup shaped  Radial head  surrounded by a rim[1]

Ligaments of Elbow joint[edit | edit source]

  • MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT - Extends from Medial epicondyle of Humerus to Coronoid and  Olecranon  process of Ulna
  • LATERAL COLATERAL LIGAMENT - Extends from Lateral Epicondyle of Humerus to Annular  Ligament and Olecranon process.
  • ANNULAR LIGAMENT - It encircles the head of Radius[1]
Elbow Anatomy.jpg

Movements of Elbow joint[edit | edit source]

Flexion and Extension [1]

Muscles of Elbow joint[edit | edit source]

Flexors of Elbow[edit | edit source]

  • Biceps Brachi---Powerful flexor when elbow is in 90 degree  Flexion.
  • Brachialis----Flexor of elbow in all position
  • Brachioradialis---Flexor of elbow in midprone position[1]

Extensors of Elbow[edit | edit source]

  • TRICEPS is the powerful extensor of the Shoulder
  • All three Heads of Triceps are active when heavy resistance is  given to Extension.[1]

Superior RadioUlnar Joint[edit | edit source]

Articulation[edit | edit source]

  • The Radial notch on Ulna articulate with Head of Radius  along with Annular Ligament & Capitulum.[1]

Ligaments[edit | edit source]

  • Annular Ligament-----circle the head of Radius and keeps the  Ulna together.
  • Quadrate Ligament----extends from the Inferior edge of  radial notch to Neck of Radius
  • Oblique cord------attached  to inferior part of Radial notch  on Ulna to just below Radial Tuberosity[1]

Inferior RadioUlnar Joint[edit | edit source]

Articulation[edit | edit source]

  • The Ulnar notch of Radius articulates with head of Ulna  along with Articular Disc.[1]

Ligaments[edit | edit source]

  • Anterior Radio Ulnar Ligament----attached to anterior  aspect  just above the Ulnar head to above Ulnar notch.
  • Posterior Radio Ulnar Ligament---attached to posterior part  of  Ulnar head to above Ulnar notch.
  • Interosseous Membrane---binds the shaft of Radius and Ulna  together.[1]

Muscles[edit | edit source]

  • PRONATOR TERES----- helps in Pronation,it acts in all  position of Elbow, helps in Stabilization of Superio Radio  Ulnar Joint. Active during rapid and resisted Pronation.
  • PRONATOR QUADRATUS---- helps in  Pronation in all  position of Elbow
  • SUPINATOR---------helps in Supination in all position of  Elbow
  • BICEPS BRACHI-------- helps in  Supination when Elbow is  flexed to 90 degree[1]

Movements of RadioUlnar Joint[edit | edit source]

  • Pronation  & Supination
  • Pronation and Supination movement is good when Elbow is  Flexed to 90 degree
  • In Elbow extended position Pronation is limited due to  passive tension in Biceps Brachi. Supination is limited due to  passive tension in Interosseous Membrane.[1]

Clinical Examination[edit | edit source]

Conditions[edit | edit source]

Procedures[edit | edit source]

  • Elbow Arthrolysis
  • Elbow Arthroscopy
  • Open debridement or synovectomy
  • Radial head excision and synovectomy
  • Radial head replacement
  • Reconstruction elbow replacement
  • Release of lateral epicondylitis
  • Total elbow replacement
  • Ulnar nerve decompression

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Chaurasia BD. Human Anatomy Regional and Applied Dissection and Clinical. Vol 1. CBS Publishers and Distributors Pvt Ltd, 2010
  2. Kenhub-Learn Human Anatomy. Elbow Joint: Bones, Muscles & Movement-Human Anatomy | Kenhub.Available from:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1XEPBTjYVY[accessed 26/03/20]