Elbow Joint

• Synovial hinge joint, flexion and extension

• Includes 3 articulations:

1. Humeroulnar articulation – between trochlea of humerus and trochlear notch of ulna. They form a uniaxial hinge joint, permitting flexion and extension.

2. Humeroradial articulation – between capitulum of humerus and head of radius

3. Proximal radioulnar joint – between head of radius and radial notch of ulna. Pivot joint allowing rotation of radius about the ulna. Annular ligament keeps radial head in place.

• Radial and Ulnar Collateral ligaments – these strong triangular bands are medial and lateral thickenings of the fibrous capsule, hence they are intrinsic ligaments.

• Carrying angle = 165 degrees. Seen when forearm is fully extended and supinated in the anatomical position. It is the angle between arm and the forearm, and it permits the extended forearm to clear the side of the hip in swinging movements during walking, which is important when carrying heavy loads. An increase in the carrying angle is seen in Turners syndrome.

• Blood supply = articular arteries are derived from the anastomosis around the elbow, which are formed by collateral branches of the brachial and recurrent branches of the ulnar and radial arteries.

• Nerve supply = mainly musculocutaneous and radial nerve

• Lateral epicondyle = common origin for forearm extensors. Tennis elbow

• Medial epicondyle = common origin for forearm flexors. Golfer’s elbow

• Subcutaneous olecranon bursa located in subcutaneous connective tissue over the olecranon. Students elbow.

• Subtendinous olecranon bursa located between triceps tendon and olecranon

• Radioulnar bursa

Category: Anatomy Notes