Elbow Complex

Elbow complex consists of the elbow joint

(humeroulnar and humeroradial) and the proximal
and distal radioulnar joints
Elbow joint is a complex joint of hinge variety
Is a uniaxial diarthrodial joint with 1 freedom of
movement
Flexion/extension occur in saggital plane around a
coronal axis
The proximal and distal radio ulnar joints are
linked and function as one unit
Rotation (pronation and supination) occur in a
transverse plane around a longitudinal axis

Humeroulnar and humeroradial articulations:

Articulating surfaces:
Humerus:
Hour glass shaped trochlea (humeroulnar)
torchlear groove, coronoid fossa
Capitulum (humeroradial) radial fossa
Olecranon fossa

Radius:
Head of radius
Articulates with the capitulum

Ulna:
Trochlear notch
Trochlear ridge

Articulation:
Articulation between ulna and humerus
occurs primarily as a sliding motion of
trochlear notch of ulna on the trochlea

In extension olecranon process enters the olecranon fossa

In flexion coronoid process reaches the coronoid fossa

Articulation between radial head and the

capitulum involves sliding of concave radial
head on the convex capitulum

1.In full extension no contact between the capitulum &

radial head
2.During flexion the rim of the radius slides in the
capitulotrochlear groove and in full flexion reaches the
radial fossa

Capsule:
Humeroulnar and humeroradial and
superior radioulnar joint are enclosed in a
single joint capsule
Capsule is fairly large loose and weak
anteriorly and posteriorly but ligaments
reinforce side ways

Ligaments:
Medial( ulnar) collateral ligament:
Consists of three parts anterior ,posterior,
transverse
Lateral(radial)collateral ligament:

Axis of Rotation
The axis of the joint is relatively fixed and
passes through the center of the trochlea
and the capitulum bisecting the longitudinal
axis of shaft of humerus

Carrying angle :
In anatomic position, the long axis along the shaft
of the humerus and the long axis of the forearm
form an acute angle medially at the elbow. The
angulation is due to the incongruency of the
articulating surfaces
It is about 5 in men and 10 - 15 in women
An
increase in the carrying angle is
abnormalCubitus valgus
Carrying angle disappears when the arm is
pronated and the elbow is in extension or when the
elbow is fully flexed against the forearm

RANGE OF MOTION : Depends on:

a.
Type of motion:

Active ROM is usually less than passive ROM

This is due to the bulk of the contracting

muscles

With the forearm supinated active elbow flexion

is 135-145

Passive elbow flexion is 150-160

b.
Position of the forearm:

In pronation or mid way between prone and

supination the range of elbow flexion is less as
compared to when the forearm is supinated

c.

Position of the shoulder:

Two joint muscles (like biceps and triceps)
which cross shoulder & elbow may become
actively/passively insufficient
Passive tension in the triceps with shoulder
flexion limits elbow flexion
Simultaneously the biceps looses tension as it
shortens over both the joints
Passive tension in the biceps with shoulder
hyperextension limits elbow extension