ELBOW

The elbow joint is a complex hinge joint formed between the distal end of the humerus in the upper arm and the proximal ends of the ulna and radius in the forearm. The elbow allows for the flexion and extension of the forearm relative to the upper arm, as well as rotation of the forearm and wrist.

The ulna is situated on the inside of the joint and forms a cup shape which allows articulation with the humerus. The radius is the smaller of the two forearm bones and sits on the outside of the joint. The radial head is round and again cup-shaped to allow it to move around the wide base known as the capitulum of the humerus.
There are actually three joints at the elbow. The first being the hinge joint formed between the humerus and the ulna called the humeroulnar joint, which allows us to bend and straighten our elbows.
The second is the humeroradial joint between the radius and humerus which again allows flexion and extension but is also involved in the more complex motion of turning the hand over so the palm faces up or down. This movement of the forearm is called supination (palm up) and pronation (palm down). The third is a pivot joint formed by the radius and ulna and is called the proximal radioulna joint.

what is a ligament ?

A ligament attaches bone to bone. It is a short band of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint.

How many bones are there in elbow?

elbow is a joint made up of three bones: The humerus (upper arm bone) The radius forearm bone on the thumb side) The ulna (forearm bone on the pinky side

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.

Medial Collateral Ligament

it is Sometimes known as the Ulnar Collateral Ligament and consists of two triangular bands, anterior and posterior. Both sections arise from the Medial Epicondyle and pass over the inside of the elbow joint. The anterior portion then attaches to the front part of the top of the Ulna, known as the Coranoid process and the posterior part to the back of the Ulna, or Olecranon process.

Lateral Collateral Ligament

Sometimes known as the Radial Collateral Ligament and is a short, narrow band which passes from the base of the Lateral Epicondlye to the Annular Ligament.

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Annular Ligament

This is a band of fibres which circle the head of the Radius, maintaining contact between the Radius and Humerus.

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Lateral epicondylitis is a condition that causes pain and tenderness at the prominence on the outer part of the elbow. The condition occurs as a result of overusing the forearm muscles that straighten and raise the hand and wrist.
lateral epicondyle

The medial epicondyle of the humerus is an epicondyle of the humerus bone of the upper arm in humans. It is larger and more prominent than the lateral epicondyle and is directed slightly more posteriorly in the anatomical position. N
medial epicondyle

The olecranon is the near end of the ulna, the bone in the forearm, and it forms the pointed portion of the elbow. bony projection of the ulna bone that can be felt at the elbow. Hook-like in shape, it is the structure that curves around the bottom of the humerus bone in the upper arm and encapsulates the elbow joint. It also is the site of attachment for several muscles of the arm.

A band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body.

Biceps Brachii

This muscle arises from the coracoid process and supragleniod tubercle which are both parts of the shoulder blade, and travels down the arm, crosses the elbow joint and inserts on the radius. Its action is to flex the elbow joint and supinate the forearm.

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Triceps Brachii:

Originates from the scapula and back surface of the humerus to cross the elbow and attach to the olecranon process at the back of the ulna. This is the main extensor of the elbow.

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Brachialis

This muscle is the strongest elbow flexor when the palm is pronated. It arises from the lower half of the front of the Humerus and inserts on the coronoid process which is the front bony protusion of the ulna.

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Brachioradialis

This muscle starts at the outer edge of the lower third of the Humerus, crosses the joint and inserts at the lower end of the Radius. Its job is to flex the elbow and aid pronation and supination.

Pronator Teres

This muscle is often involved in golfers elbow or medial epicondylitis and its action is to aid flexion of the elbow and pronate the forearm. It originates just above the medial epicondyle and inserts on the outer surface of the Radius.

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Anconeus

Weak extensor of elbow. Moves (abducts) ulna in pronation

the median nerve branches off of the brachial plexus. It initially spans the length of the upper arm, as it runs a course parallel to the brachial artery. A portion of its path covers the medial side of the arm, near both the biceps brachii and brachialis muscle. the nerve runs lateral to the artery. However, it eventually crosses over and enters the cubital fossa of the elbow. The median nerve also extends downward through the forearm, ultimately traversing the carpal tunnel as it enters the hand
median nerve

The radial nerve is one of the major nerves of the upper extremity. Forming in the area of the shoulder joint at the confluence of several branches of the brachial plexus, the radial nerve courses down the arm, past the elbow joint, into the forearm, across the wrist, and all the way to the tips of your fingers.
radial nerve

The ulnar nerve travels from your shoulder to your pinky finger. It’s located near your skin’s surface, so it’s not well protected by muscle and bone. This makes it more vulnerable to compression.
ulnar nerve

Pronation and supination are a pair of unique movements possible only in the forearms and hands, allowing the human body to flip the palm either face up or face down. The muscles, bones, and joints of the human forearm are specifically arranged to permit these unique and important rotations of the hands.

$elbow radial head fracture$

elbow radial head fracture

A radial head fracture is a break to the radius bone in the forearm just below the elbow joint and usually occurs as a result of a fall onto an outstretched hand.

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medial elbow ligament sprain

The medial collateral (MCL) ligament of the elbow is situated on the inner elbow and helps to provide stability to the joint. Damage to this ligament can occur through an impact injury or an accident or from repetitive overuse, for example throwing with poor technique.

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bruised elbow

A bruised elbow or elbow contusion usually occurs as a result of a fall or impact to the elbow.

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elbow hyperextension

An elbow hyperextension injury occurs when the elbow is bent back the wrong way. This over-straightening causes damage to the ligaments and structures of the elbow.

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broken elbow

An elbow fracture is a break in one of the bones which form the elbow joint. There are three bones which could be broken. These are the Humerus (upper arm bone), Ulna and Radius (two forearm bones).

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dislocated elbow

Elbow dislocations are the second most common dislocations in adults, behind shoulder dislocations. The elbow is a very stable joint and so it requires a lot of force to dislocate it.

bicep tendon strain

Biceps tendon strain at its insertion on the inside or front of the elbow is also rare but has been known in weight lifting and other strength type sports and activities. A tear of the tendon may follow a period of biceps tendinitis that is not treated and managed correctly.

olecranon brusitis: it is swelling behind the elbow. olecranon is the curved section at the proximal end of the ulna
RICE

medial epicondylitis: it is soreness felt on the right that is the medial side of the arm cause by overuse.
RICE

lateral epicondylitis: it is soreness felt on the left that is the lateral side of the arm cause by overuse
RICE

Elbow Hyperextension

This type of injury occurs most frequently in contact sport. Instant pain as the arm is forced straight. Pain will be felt at the front of the elbow and some swelling may appear. The aim of this taping is to prevent hyperextension (over straightening or bending the wrong way) of the elbow. It will provide support for strained elbow ligaments.

Epicondyle

It is used to support temporary pain relief in more acute patients. The goal is to rest the musculotendinous unit originating at the lateral epicondyle.

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ELBOW

WHAT IS ELBOW JOINT

About

ligaments

what is a ligament ?

How many bones are there in elbow?

Joint Capsule and Bursae

3 ligaments of the elbow joint

Medial Collateral Ligament

Lateral Collateral Ligament

Annular Ligament

bone markings

joint movement

what is a muscle ?

Muscles of the elbow

Biceps Brachii

Triceps Brachii:

Brachialis

Brachioradialis

Pronator Teres

Anconeus

nerves

what is pronation and supination ?

injuries of the elbow

elbow radial head fracture

medial elbow ligament sprain

bruised elbow

elbow hyperextension

broken elbow

dislocated elbow

bicep tendon strain

chronic injuries

Tapings

Elbow Hyperextension

Epicondyle