BIOMECHANICS OF ELBOW COMPLEX LECTURE-1 BIOMECHANICS OF ELBOW COMPLEX Prepared by: Dr. Ishaq Ahmed MSPT(KMU), BSPT(UHS), t-DPT(KMU)

Introduction “ The elbow complex includes the elbow joint (humeroulnar and humeroradial joints) and the proximal and distal radioulnar joints.”

Introduction The elbow joint is considered to be a compound joint that functions as a modified or loose hinge joint made up of humrus, ulna and the radius bones Function: properly place hand in space by shortening and lengthening the upper limb Most upper extremity movements involve the elbow and radioulnar joints One degree of freedom is possible at the elbow, permitting the motions of flexion and extension, which occur in the Sagittal plane around a coronal axis

Introduction A slight bit of axial rotation and side-to-side motion of the ulna occurs during flexion and extension, and that is why the elbow is considered to be a modified or loose hinge joint rather than a pure hinge joint Two major ligaments and five muscles are directly associated with the elbow joint. Three of the muscles are flexors that cross the anterior aspect of the joint. The other two muscles are extensors that cross the posterior aspect of the joint

Introduction The proximal and distal radioulnar joints are linked and function as one joint The two joints acting together produce rotation of the forearm and have 1 degree of freedom of motion.

Bones and Landmarks

Bones and Landmarks

Ligaments Ulnar collateral ligament medial side of the elbow extends from medial epicondyle of humerus to proximal portion of ulna function is to prevent excessive abduction of elbow joint

Ligaments Radial collateral ligament lateral side of the elbow extends from lateral epicondyle of humerus to head of radius function is to prevent excessive adduction of elbow joint

Ligaments

Ligaments Ulnar collateral ligament is critical in providing medial support to prevent the elbow from abducting when stressed in physical activity Many contact sports and throwing activities place stress on the medial aspect of the joint, resulting in injury. Radial collateral ligament provides lateral stability and is rarely injured

Medial Ligament stress

Ligaments Annular ligament provides stability for radial head during pronation and supination commonly injured in children when arm pulled forcefully

Interosseous Membrane The joint between shafts of radius & ulna held tightly together between proximal and distal articulations by an interosseous membrane

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