Elbow: Anatomy

Bony AnatomyRadiusUlnaHumerus – 2 condyles

◦Lateral – capitulum Articulates with the radius

◦Medial – trochlea Articulates with humerous

Ligaments◦ Ulnar collateral

Medial epicondyle to ulnar trochlear notch

Strong anterior band, weaker transverse & middle

Gives medial support

◦ Radial collateral Lateral epicondyle to

side of annular ligament

Does not attach to radius

Gives lateral support

◦ Annular Holds radius to ulna

and humerus Allows rotation of

radius (supination and flexion)

Gives lateral support

MusclesFlexion

◦Biceps brachii, brachial, brachioradialis

Extension◦Triceps brachii

Pronation◦Pronator quadratus, pronator teres

Supination◦Biceps brachii, supinator muscle

MusclesBiceps brachii

◦ Insertion Tuberosity of the

radius

◦ Movement Flexes elbow,

supinates forearm

Brachialis◦ Insertion

Coronoid process of ulna

◦ Movement Flexes elbow

Brachioradialis◦ Insertion

Styloid process of the raidus

◦ Movement Flexes elbow

Triceps brachii◦ Insertion

Olecranon process of ulna

◦ Movement Extension

MusclesSupinator

◦ Insertion Proximal end of the

lateral surface of the shaft of the radius

◦ Movement Supinates the elbow

Pronator teres◦ Insertion

Middle of the lateral surface of the shaft of the radius

◦ Movement Pronates elbow

Anconeus◦ Insertion

Lateral surface of the olecranon process of the ulna

◦ Movement Extends elbow

JointsHumeroradial

◦Articulation of lateral distal humerus and proximal radius

Radioulnar◦Articulation between radial notich of the

proximal lateral aspect of ulna, the radial head and capitulum of distal humerus Important in supination andpronation

Humeroulnar◦Articulation between distal humerus

medially and proximal ulna

Nerves◦Median

Passes deep in the cubital fossa medial to the biceps and brachialis

◦Radial Lateral to biceps and brachialis

◦Ulnar Courses posteriorly in groove between

the medial epicondyle and olecranon process

◦Musclocutaneous Passes through cubital fossa, supplies the

anterior forearm and thenar muscles

Elbow AnatomyMISC

◦ Medial & lat. Condyles with the olecranon process form a straight line when arm is straight

Forms a triangle when arm is bent

◦ Posterolateral triangle – radial head, lat. Condyle, olecronon process

Good place for aspiration

Elbow AnatomyCarrying angle

◦5-15 degrees female 5-10 degrees male This angle will

increase in athletes that have participated in throwing sports for a long time, or the angle could increase if there is a fx

ROM◦ Flexion – 145

degrees◦ Extension – 0 / -5

degrees◦ Pronation &

supination – 90 degrees

Flexion and Extension

Pronation and Supination