Elbow Module

Elbow injuries arise from various activities. An important consideration is to look at the activities of the
individual involved. Years of repetitive stress and the consequences that arise in an elbow not prepared
to handle this stresses result in commonly seen injuries. The importance of your evaluation and activity
modification play a large role in advancing the client to pain free status

1. Elbow Anatomy
a. Joints
i. Humeroulnar: because of medial distal portion of humerus’s articulation with
the ulna it results in an abducted position for the elbow. 10-15 females and 5 in
males.

ii. Humeroradial: lateral aspect of humerus forms a complex with radius. Flexion
radius in contact with radial fossa or distal humerus, with extension the radius
and humerus are not in contact

iii. Proximal Radioulnar: articulation between radial notch or the proximal lateral
aspect of ulna, radial head and capitellum of distal humerus. Ligaments act as
support structures to this articulation. Radius/Ulna proximally with annular
ligament. Radius/Ulna Interosseous membrane shifts forces off radius. Distally
concave radius articulates with convex ulna. Radius moves on ulna with
supination and pronation.

b. Ligaments
c. Capsule: loose anterior/posterior allows flexion/extension. is a continuous structure
that acts as a communication point between the for the elbow between the shoulder
and the hand. Since it runs as a continuous structure through the entire joint it acts as
support for the joint and for proprioception.

i. Medial (ulnar) collateral ligament

1. Anterior band prevents valgus
2. Posterior band taut at 60 degrees flexion prevents valgus stress with
flexion
3. Oblique band does not cross elbow or provide support
ii. Lateral (radial) collateral ligaments (617 MM SKEL INTER)
1. Radial collateral ligament lateral epicondyle to annular ligament
2. Lateral ulnar collateral ligament reinforces laterally passes over annular.
Passes over to supinator tubercle
3. Accessory lateral collateral ligament from supinator tubercle to annular
ligament
4. Annular ligament main support of radial head in radial notch
d. Dynamic Stabilizers
i. Flexors
1. Bicep Brachii-function flexion elbow supination elbow
a. Long head origin supraglenoid tuberosity scapula
b. Short head origin coracoids process of scapula
*both insert to common tendon at radial tuberosity and
lacertus fibrosis to origins of forearm flexors
2. Brachialis-Origin lower 2/3 humerus insertion lateral styloid process of
distal radius. Function elbow flexion
3. Brachialradialis-origin lower 2/3 lateral humerus insert lateral styoid
process of distal radius. Function elbow flexor and wear pronator
supinator of forearm

ii. Extensors
1. Triceps Brachii
a. Long-origin infraglenoid tuberosity of scapula
b. Medial Lateral-origin posterior aspect of humerus to common
tendon posteriorly at olecranon
2. Anconeus-assists in extension
2. Elbow Examination
3. Conditions
a. Epicondylitis
b. Tendinitis
c. Valgus overload
d. Ulnar collateral ligament
e. Dislocation
f. Fracture
4. Rehabilitation
a. Myofasical
i. Brachialradialis
ii. Triceps olecranon insertion
b. Joint mobilization
c. Compression with object
d. Exercise
i. Stretch
ii. Supination Pronation Strengthening
iii.