Describe the elbow joint under the following headings: (a) classification, (b) articular surfaces, (c) ligaments, (d) relations, (e) nerve supply, (f) movements and (g) applied anatomy.
Answer.
Elbow Joint Classification
Synovial joint of hinge variety.
Articular surfaces
It is a compound joint consisting of two articulations.
Humeroradial: Between capitulum of humerus and head of radius.
Humeroulnar: Between trochlea of humerus and trochlear notch of ulna.
Read And Learn More: Selective Anatomy Notes And Question And Answers
The elbow joint communicates with superior radioulnar joint.
Elbow Joint Ligaments
Elbow Joint Capsular ligament
- Attachments
- In front
- Superiorly, it is attached to the humerus above the coronoid and radial fossae.
- Inferiorly, it is attached to the coronoid process of ulna and annular ligament of superior radioulnar joint.
- Behind
- Superiorly, it is attached to the margins of the olecranon fossa.
- Interiorly, it is attached to the upper margins of olecranon process and annular ligament of superior radioulnar joint.
- In front
- On either side: The capsule becomes continuous with medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the elbow joint.
Elbow Joint Medial (ulnar) collateral ligament:
Elbow Joint Medial (ulnar) collateral ligament is triangular in shape and consists of the following three parts:
- Anterior part, which extends from front of medial epicondyle of humerus to the medial margin of coronoid process of ulna
- Posterior part, which extends from back of medial epicondyle of humerus to the medial margin of the olecranon process of ulna
- Inferior part, which extends between lower ends of anterior and posterior parts and stretches between the olecranon and coronoid processes of ulna
Lateral (radial) collateral ligament:
Elbow Joint Lateral (radial) collateral ligament extends from lateral epicondyle of humerus above to the annular ligament below.
Elbow Joint Relations
Elbow Joint Anterior
- Brachialis
- Tendon of biceps brachii
- Median nerve
- Brachial artery
Elbow Joint Posterior
- Tendon of triceps brachii
- Anconeus
Elbow Joint Medial
- Flexor carpi ulnaris
- Ulnar nerve
- Common flexor origin
Elbow Joint Lateral
- Supinator
- Common extensor origin
Elbow Joint Nerve supply
- Radial nerve
- Musculocutaneous nerve
- Median nerve
- Ulnar nerve
Elbow Joint Movements
The movements and muscles producing them with their nerve supply.
Movements of the Elbow Joint and Muscles Producing Them with Their Nerve Supply
Elbow Joint Applied anatomy
Elbow Joint Dislocation:
The dislocation of elbow joint usually occurs posteriorly and is often associated with fracture of coronoid process.
Elbow Joint Effusion:
The effusion of elbow joint causes distension on the posterior aspect of elbow because the joint capsule is weak posteriorly.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Tennis Elbow presents with pain and tenderness over lateral epicondyle of humerus. It occurs due to:
- Sprain of lateral collateral ligament of the elbow joint
- Tearing of fibres of extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB)
- Inflammation of bursa underneath the ECRB
- Tear of common extensor origin
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