Elbow joint
articulations (all share common synovial cavity)
- Trochlea of ulna and trochlea of humerus
- Head of radius and capitulum of humerus
- head of radius and radial notch of ulna = proximal radio-ulnar joint
normal range of movement
flexion/extension: 0-150 degrees
joint stability
Static
- ulnohumeral joint
- radiocapitellar joint
- joint capsule
- attachments: medial epicondyle, coronoid, radial fossa; coronoid process of ulna to olecranon
- medial and lateral collateral ligaments
- lateral (radial collateral ligament): lateral epicondyle, blends with annular ligament
- medial (ulnar collateral ligament): medial epicondyle to coronoid process and olecranon
- annular ligament - holds radial head in place
Dynamic
- muscles running across elbow joint: anconeus, brachialis, triceps
osteology
- fat pad sign
- posterior fat pad is never normal
- suggests intra-articular or intra-capsular haemorrhage
- occult radial head fracture?
- large anterior fat pad is abnormal
related topics
Radioulnar joints
Paediatric elbow