BY

SNEHALATHA GEDDAM
 INTRODUCTION

 The elbow complex includes the elbow joint ( Humeroulnar &

Humeroradial joints) and the Proximal & Distal radioulnar joint.

 The elbow joint is considered to be a complex joint that functions

as a modified or loose hinge joint.

 One degree of freedom is possible at the elbow permitting the

motion is flexion & Extension which occurs in the sagittal plane
around coronal axis.

 Two major ligaments & 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

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

 The radioulnar joints are diarthrodial uniaxial joints of the pivot

type & permit rotation ( Supination & Pronation ) which occurs in
transverse plane around a vertical axis.

 Six ligaments & four muscles are associates with these joints .
Two muscles are for supination & two for pronation.
 STRUCTURE OF ELBOW JOINT
( HU & HR Articulation):

 Articulation between the ulna & humerus at the humeroulnar joint

occurs primarily as a sliding motion of the ulnar trochlear ridge on
the humeral trochlear groove.

 Articulation between the radial head & the

capitulum at the humeroradial joint involves

sliding of the shallow concave radial head

over the convex surface of the capitulum.

 The HU & HR & The superior radioulnar joint are enclosed in a
single joint capsule.

 Ligaments of elbow joint are Medial collateral ligament, Lateral

collateral ligament, Annular ligament , Transverse ligament,

 The major flexors of the elbow:

 The brachialis

 The biceps brachii

 The brachioradialis

 Extensors:
 Triceps
 Anconeus
 AXIS OF MOTION
 Traditionally , the axis for flexion and extension has been
described as relatively fixed axis that passes horizontally through
the centre of the trochlea and capitulum and bisects the
longitudinal axis of the shaft of the humerus.

 Long Axes of the Humerus and

Forearm: When the upper extremity is in

the anatomic position the long axis of the

Humerus and the long axis of the forearm

form an acute angle when they meet at the

Elbow.
 The angulation in the frontal plane is caused by the configuration
of the articulating surfaces at the humeroulnar joint.

 The medial aspect of the trochlea extends more distally than does
the lateral aspect, which shifts the medial aspect of the ulna
trochlear notch more distally and results in a lateral deviation (or
valgus angulation) of the ulna in relation to the humerus.

 This normal valgus angulation is called the carrying angle or

cubitus valgus. The average angle in full elbow extension is about
15° but may vary from about 8° to 15°.
 Usually females have more carrying angle than males why ?

 Khare has proposed that the proximal end of ulna angulates more
and the medial flange of the trochlea grows longer in shorter
persons than taller persons.

 Shorter the forearm bone greater

the carrying angle

 Average height of women is

usually less than male, so the

Carrying angle is greater in women

than men.
MOBILITY AND STABILITY