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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

10. Bones and Landmarks

11. Bones and Landmarks

15. 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

16. 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

18. Ligaments

19. 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

20. Medial Ligament stress

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

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

23. THANK YOU