The Elbow Anatomy

Joint Complex Radio-ulnar – synovial pivot joint Humero-ulnar – synovial modified hinge Humero-radial – synovial modified hinge Movements – flexion, extension, pronation and supination Carrying angle in extension Capsular Pattern –More loss of flexion than extension

Bones Humerus –trochlea medially and capitulum laterally Radius – radial head, radial tuberosity Ulna – coronoid process, olecranon process

Ligaments Collateral Ligaments – resist varus and valgus strain MCL – med epicondyle to coronoid and olecranon process of ulna LCL – lat epicondyle to annular lig Annular Ligament – joins radius and ulna, stabilises radial head Complex capsule – lax, all 3 joints, blends with annular lig and reinforced by MCL and LCL

Musculature Brachioradialis – elbow flexor in mid pron Inserts a long way distal to the joint it acts upon Compresses elbow joint Biceps – elbow flex and powerful sup from mid pron Brachialis – most powerful elb flexor Triceps – elbow ext Anconeus – elbow ext and stabilises joint

Musculature – attached to common flexor origin Pronator Teres Flexor Carpi Radialis Palmaris Longus Flexor digitorum sup Flexor carpi ulnaris

Musculature - attached to the common extensor origin Ext Carpi Ulnaris Ext dig minimi Ext digitorum Ext carpi radialis brev Supinator Ext carpi rad longus * does not attach

Bursa Biceps Bursa Olecranon Bursa

Dermatomes C5/6 front of elbow C7 back of elbow Muscles C5 biceps and brachialis C6 Pronator teres and supinator C7 Triceps Neurology

Nerves Median nerve – medial to biceps tendon Ulnar Nerve – behind medial epicondyle Radial nerve + post interosseous nerve – lateral to the biceps

Surface markings Extensor carpi radialis longus origin Radio-humeral joint line Common extensor tendon Common flexor tendon The insertion of biceps