Anatomy
What is the Anatomy of an Elbow Joint?
The elbow is a complex joint formed by the articulation of three bones – the humerus, radius, and ulna. The elbow joint helps in bending or straightening of the arm to 180 degrees and lifting or moving objects.
The bones of the elbow are supported by:
- Ligaments and tendons
- Muscles
- Nerves
- Blood vessels
Bones and Joints of the Elbow
The elbow joint is formed at the junction of three bones:
- The humerus (upper arm bone) forms the upper portion of the joint. The lower end of the humerus divides into two bony protrusions known as the medial and lateral epicondyles, which can be felt on either side of the elbow joint.
- The ulna is the larger bone of the forearm located on the inner surface of the joint. It articulates with the humerus.
- The radius is the smaller bone of the forearm situated on the outer surface of the joint. The head of the radius is circular and hollow, which allows movement with the humerus. The articulation between the ulna and radius helps the forearm to rotate.
The elbow consists of three joints, namely:
- The humeroulnar joint is formed between the humerus and ulna and allows flexion and extension of the arm.
- The humeroradial joint is formed between the radius and humerus and allows movements like flexion, extension, supination, and pronation.
- The radioulnar joint is formed between the ulna and radius bones and allows rotation of the lower arm.
Articular cartilage lines the articulating regions of the humerus, radius, and ulna. It is a thin, tough, flexible and slippery surface that acts as a shock absorber and cushion to reduce friction between the bones. The cartilage is lubricated with synovial fluid, which further enables the smooth movement of the bones.
Muscles of the Elbow Joint
There are several muscles extending across the elbow joint that help in various movements. These include the following:
- Biceps brachii: Upper arm muscle, enabling flexion of the arm
- Triceps brachii: Muscle in the back of the upper arm that extends the arm and fixes the elbow during fine movements
- Brachialis: Upper arm muscle beneath the biceps, which flexes the elbow towards the body
- Brachioradialis: Forearm muscle that flexes, straightens and pulls the arm at the elbow
- Pronator teres: Muscle that extends from the humeral head, across the elbow, and towards the ulna, and helps to turn the palm facing backward
- Extensor carpi radialis brevis: Forearm muscle that helps in movement of the hand
- Extensor digitorum: Forearm muscle that helps in movement of the fingers
Ligaments and Tendons of the Elbow
The elbow joint is supported by ligaments and tendons, which provide stability to the joint.
Ligaments are a group of firm tissues that connect bones to other bones. The most important ligaments of the elbow joint are the:
- Medial or ulnar collateral ligament: Comprised of triangular bands of tissue on the inner side of the elbow joint
- Lateral or radial collateral ligament: A thin band of tissue on the outer side of the elbow joint
- Annular ligament: Group of fibers that surround the radial head, and hold the ulna and radius tightly in place during movement of the arm
Together, the medial and lateral ligaments are the main source of stability and hold the humerus and ulna tightly in place during movement of the arm.
The ligaments around a joint combine to form a joint capsule that contains synovial fluid.
Any injury to these ligaments can lead to instability of the elbow joint.
Tendons are bands of connective tissue fibers that connect muscle to bone. The various tendons that surround the elbow joint include:
- Biceps tendon: attaches the biceps muscle to the radius, allowing the elbow to bend
- Triceps tendon: attaches the triceps muscle to the ulna, allowing the elbow to straighten
Nerves of the Elbow
The main nerves of the elbow joint are the ulnar, radial and median nerves. These nerves transfer signals from the brain to the muscles that aid in elbow movements. They also carry sensory signals such as touch, pain, and temperature back to the brain.
Any injury or damage to these nerves causes pain, weakness or joint instability.
Blood Vessels Supplying the Elbow
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-pure blood from the heart to the hand. The main artery of the elbow is the brachial artery that travels across the inside of the elbow and divides into two small branches below the elbow to form the ulnar and the radial artery.
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Conditions
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Elbow Arthritis
Although the elbows are not weight-bearing joints, they are considered to be most important for the functioning of the upper limbs.
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Radial Head Fracture
Radial head fractures are very common and occur in almost 20% of acute elbow injuries. Elbow dislocations are generally associated with...
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Elbow Dislocation
The arm in the human body is made up of three bones that join to form a hinge joint called the elbow. The upper arm bone or humerus connects...
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Elbow Fractures
Elbow fractures may occur from trauma, resulting from various reasons: a fall on an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the elbow...
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Elbow Osteoarthritis
Elbow osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the elbow, causing the smooth cartilage that lines the ends...
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Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a common name for the elbow condition lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation...
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Golfer's Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions...
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Elbow Pain
Damage to any of the structures that make up the elbow joint can cause elbow pain.
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Elbow Injuries
Some of the common elbow injuries include: Elbow fractures, Tennis elbow/golfer's elbow, Tendonitis...
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Elbow Sprain
An elbow sprain is an injury to the soft tissues of the elbow. It is caused due to stretching or tearing (partial or full)...
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Elbow Instability
Elbow instability is a condition in which the elbow joint occasionally slides out of alignment due to the unstable state of the joint.
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Bicep Tendon Tear at the Elbow
A biceps tear can be complete or partial. Partial biceps tendon tears will not completely break the tendon while complete...
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Triceps Injuries
The triceps or triceps brachii is a crucial muscle of the upper arm (humerus). It runs along the upper arm bone between the shoulder and elbow.
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Elbow Ligament Injuries
Elbow ligament injuries are injuries to the tough elastic tissues that connect the bones of the elbow joint to each other.
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Rheumatoid Elbow
Rheumatoid elbow is a chronic, progressive type of arthritis characterized by swelling and inflammation of the joint lining of the elbow.
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Triceps Tendonitis
Triceps tendonitis is inflammation of the triceps tendon, the tissue that connects the triceps muscle on the back of the upper...
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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve Entrapment)
When the ulnar nerve is compressed or entrapped, the nerve can tear and become inflamed, leading to cubital tunnel syndrome.
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Elbow (Olecranon) Bursitis
Inflammation of the olecranon bursa leads to a condition called olecranon bursitis.
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Elbow Contracture
Elbow contracture refers to a stiff elbow with a limited range of motion. It is a common complication following elbow...
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Distal Humerus Fractures of the Elbow
Injury in the distal humerus can cause impairment in the function of the elbow joint. A distal humerus fracture is a rare...
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Epicondylitis
Epicondylitis is an inflammation of the tendons surrounding the epicondyle, which is the bony protuberance in the elbow.
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Throwing Injuries of the Elbow
An athlete uses an overhand throw to achieve greater speed and distance. Repeated throwing in sports such as baseball...
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Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), also called the medial collateral ligament, is located on the inside of the elbow...
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Distal Biceps Injuries
The biceps is a large muscle present in front of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder joint to the elbow.
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Adolescent Elbow Injuries
Adolescents are defined as individuals in the age group of 10 to 19 years. Adolescent elbow injuries are injuries...
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Radial Tunnel Syndrome
Radial tunnel syndrome is a painful condition caused by pressure on the radial nerve of the forearm.
Procedures
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Elbow Ligament Reconstruction
Ligament reconstruction is considered in patients with ligament rupture. Your surgeon will make an incision over the elbow.
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Total Elbow Replacement
Elbow joint replacement, also referred to as total elbow arthroplasty, is an operative procedure to treat the symptoms...
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Revision Elbow Replacement
Revision elbow replacement is a surgery performed to replace a loose or worn out initial elbow replacement.
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Elbow Arthroscopy
Elbow arthroscopy, also referred to as keyhole or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical procedure performed through...
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UCL Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery)
Commonly called Tommy John surgery, this procedure involves reconstructing a damaged ligament on the inside of the elbow...
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Elbow Fracture Reconstruction
Elbow fracture reconstruction is a surgical procedure employed to repair and restore the appearance and full function...
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Tennis Elbow Surgery
Tennis elbow is a common name for the elbow condition lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes...
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Golfer's Elbow Surgery
Golfer’s elbow is a condition associated with pain on the inside of the elbow where tendons of your forearm attach...
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Distal Biceps Repair
The biceps is a large muscle located in the front of your upper arm and runs from the shoulder to the elbow joint.
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Elbow Surgery
Elbow surgery is a surgical procedure for the treatment of an elbow injury or elbow condition. The procedure involves...
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Elbow Tendon and Ligament Repair
The common conditions affecting the tendons around the elbow joint include tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow...
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Triceps Repair
Triceps repair is a surgical procedure that involves the repair of a ruptured (torn) triceps tendon.
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Distal Humerus Reconstruction with Allograft
Distal humerus reconstruction with allograft is a surgical treatment option for a severe distal humerus fracture...
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Open Cubital Tunnel Repair
When the elbow is bent, the ulnar nerve can stretch and catch on the bony bump. When the ulnar nerve is compressed...
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Elbow Cartilage Transplantation
Elbow cartilage transplantation is a surgical procedure that repairs damaged articular cartilage in the elbow joint...
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Non-Surgical Elbow Treatments
Non-surgical elbow treatments are therapies used to manage elbow pain or injuries without surgery.
