Is it here?

Yes!
What • Articulation site
between bones
is Joint?
[2][11][12]
? Synovial • AKA diarthrodial joint(free moving
joint)[14]

• Prevent friction between the

Joint articulating bones [1] [13]

• Allow wide range of movement.

• Synovial Fluid - secreted by the synovial
[1] [13]

membrane (synovium) [1] [13]

[13]
Hyaline Cartilage [1][10]

Hyaline cartilage – Cartilage

covering articulating surface
• Type 2 collagen and Articular
Joint
Proteoglycan [1][10] Capsule
• Pale blue-white color [1][10]
• Reduce friction and
compressive forces between
bone articulation [1][10]

[13]
Joint
Capsule
[13]
Joint Functions:
Capsule • Seals the elbow joint space.[9]
• Ensures stability passively by restricting
movements. [9]
• Provides dynamic stability through the
proprioceptive(joint position) nerve endings. [9]
Structure:
• Surround by fibrous capsule(fibrous
membrane) [2][13]
• Synovial membrane line the capsule[2][13]
• Does not attach to the radius[2][13]
• Surrounds annular ligament[2][13]

[13]

(Anterior View of Elbow Joint)

 Synovial Membrane
Structure:
• Lines the inner surface of the joint capsule
[1][13][15] Fat Pads

• The medial surface of the trochlea and

fossae[1][13][15] Synovial
• Two layers, subintima(outer) and Anular Ligaments of
Membrane

intima(inner) [1][13][15] Radius

• Attaches between cartilage and bone[1][13] Sacciform Recess of

[15] [16] Synovial Membrane

Function:
• Intima - Secrete synovial fluid – lubricate
joint movement[1][13][15] [16] (Anterior View of Elbow Joint)
[13]

• Protect joint[1][13][15] [16]

 Fat Pads

Fat Pads Coronoid

Radial Fossa
Fat Pads: Fossa
• Overlying – Radial Fossa, Coronoid Fossa,
Olecranon Fossa[13]
• Protective cushion to absorb impact[1][13][15]
• Protect soft tissue from harder tissues[1][15]

[13]
(Anterior View of Elbow Joint)
 Sacciform Recess of Synovial Membrane

• Synovial membrane protrudes from the

joint capsule’s inferior edge[13]
• Aid the radial head rotates during
pronation and supination[13] Sacciform Recess of
Synovial Membrane

[13]
(Anterior View of Elbow Joint)
 Fibrous Membrane

Structure:
• Parts of fibrous membrane may form
ligaments[1][15] [16]
Fibrous • white fibrous tissue which is the capsular
Membrane
ligament[1][15]
Function:
• Surround and stabilise elbow joint[1][15] [16]
• Secure articulating bones and support
synovial membrane. [1][15]

[13]
Types of
Synovial Joints

[13]
 Elbow Joint
Uniaxial Hinge Type
Synovial Joint [2][13]

Function:
 Lengthening and
shortening upper
limb [2][13]

 Placing the hand

properly [2][13]
 1 Types of Articulation
Humeroulnar

Ra
dio
2
hu
me
ral

Trochlea of
Trochlea notch the Humerus
Humeroulnar Joint of the Ulna

Humeroulnar: [2][13]

Articulation of Trochlear
[18] [17]
Notch of the Ulna and
Posterior Anterior
Trochlea of the Humerus.
 2 Types of Articulation
Radiohumeral

1 u ln a r
e ro
Hum

Capitulum of
the Humerus
Head of Radius

Radiohumeral: [2][13]

Articulation of Head of the

[18] [17]
Radius and Capitulum of the
Posterior Anterior
Humerus.
 Proximal Radioulnar Joint

• NOT AN ARTICULATION OF
THE ELBOW JOINT!!! [2][13]
• Although share joint capsule
with elbow joint[2][13] Head of Radius Radial notch of
• Articulation of the Head of Ulna
Radius and the Radial notch
of Ulna[2][13] [17]

Anterior
 1.Radial Collateral Ligament
2.Ulnar Collateral Ligament
3.Anular Ligament of Radius
Elbow Joint Ligaments:
1.Radial Collateral Ligament

2.Ulnar Collateral Ligament

3.Annular Ligament of Radius

[13]
 2.Ulnar Collateral Ligament
3.Anular Ligament of Radius
1.Radial Collateral Ligament

Structure:
• Fan-shaped ligament [15]

• Lateral thickenings of joint capsule [2][13][15]

• Insertion: Lateral Epicondyle of Humerus to

the Annular Ligament of Radius [2][13][15]

Function:
• Support flexion and extension of the elbow
joint
[2][13][15]

• Hold the Head of Radius in the Proximal

Radial
Collateral
Radioulnar joint [2][13][15]

Ligaments • Strengthen joint capsule [2][13][15]

• Stabilize the elbow joint [2][13][15]

[15]
 3.Anular Ligament of Radius
2.Ulnar Collateral Ligament

Structure:
• Medial thickenings of joint capsule[2][13][15]
• Insertion: Medial Epicondyle of Humerus to
medial side of Coronoid Process and
Anterior
band Olecranon[2][13][15]
(cord-like) • Lies deep to the flexor digitorium superficialis
Medial
Of muscle[2][13][15]
epicondyle Ulnar
Collateral Function:
Posterior
band Ligament • Support flexion and extension of the elbow
(fan-like) joint[2][13][15]
Oblique
• Strengthen the joint capsule[2][13][15]
[13]
band • Stabilize of the elbow joint[2][13][15]
Parts:
• Anterior band (cord-like)
• Posterior band (fan-like)
• Oblique band
 3.Anular Ligament of Radius

Structure:
Wraps around head of the radius [2][13][15]

Attaches to anterior margin of radial notch of

the ulna[2][13][15]

Deep surface lined with cartilage where in

contact with radial head[2][13][15]

Functions:
Cuffs head of radius against ulna [2][13][15]

Stabilize Proximal Radioulnar Joint [2][13][15]

Enable radial head to slide along radial notch

Anular of the ulna and pivot on capitulum during
Ligaments
of Radius pronation and supination [2][13][15]

[15]
Bursae of Elbow Joint
• Bursa (plural: bursae), membranous sac filled
with synovial fluid[1][2][13]
• Cushion moving parts of a joint[1][2][13]

Important types of bursae:

• Intratendinosus Bursae: within tendon of
triceps brachii. [1][2][13]
• Subtendinosus Bursae: between olecranon Subtendinosus bursae

and tendon of triceps brachii[1][2][13] Intratendinosus

• Subcutaneous Bursae: between skin over Subcutaneous

[13]

posterior of the joint and tendon of the

triceps[1][2][13]
 Vascular and Nerve Supply
The elbow joint receives its vascular supply
from a vessel network forming an anastomotic
connection(branching or interconnecting
channels). [13]

Arterial supply originates from

collateral and recurrent branches of[13]
 Brachial
 Profunda brachii
 Radial
 Ulnar

Innervated mostly by branches of the radial &

musculocutaneous nerves[13]
 Certain contributions originate from Ulnar
[13]
and median nerves
 Cubital Fossa

Superficial:
 Triangular-shaped depression on the anterior of the elbow joint.[13][19]
Deep:
 Space containing a variable quantity of adipose tissue. [13][19]
[19]
 Cubital Fossa Boundaries [13][19]

Horizontal imaginary line

• Lateral border – medial border of
Medial epicondyle
the Brachioradialis muscle.
(superior border) brachioradialis • Medial border – lateral border of
(lateral border)
the Pronator Teres muscle.
Pronator teres
(medial border)
• Superior border – horizontal
imaginary line drawn between
Medial and Lateral Epicondyles
of the Humerus.
• Roof – Bicipital Aponeurosis,
Fascia, Subcutaneous fat and
skin.
• Floor – Brachialis (proximally)
[19] and Supinator (distally) muscles.
Median Nerve Biceps Tendon
Contents of
Brachial Artery
Cubital
Fossa
Radial Nerve The area where
venipuncture(drawing
blood from vein) is
[19]
accessed. [13]
From lateral to medial: [13][19]

• Radial Nerve Really Need

• Biceps Tendon Beer To
• Brachial Artery Be At
• Median Nerve My Nicest [19]
 Carrying angle of elbow
 In the anatomical  excessive cubitus
position, arms are valgus (excessive
positioned by sides carrying angle):
with palms facing Fractures of elbow
forward, angled can potentially result
approximately 5o to in an increased
15o away from the carrying angle,
body. [13] causing the elbow to
protrude excessively
from the body. [21]
[20]

 Normal carrying angle of the elbow:[13]  Cubitus varus is tri-planar malalignment

• 10o -15o (men) (incorrect alignment) of the elbow,
• 20o -25o (women) characterized by varus angulation in the
• Facilitate clearance of the forearms past hips coronal plane, extension in the sagittal
while swinging arms during walking. plane, and internal rotation in the transverse
• While carrying objects plane. [8]
 Other teammates will cover additional information
about these muscles in their portfolios.

Flexion: bend the elbow(3B muscle) [15]

Biceps Brachii

Brachioradialis

Brachialis
Extension: extend the elbow [15]

Triceps Brachii Anconeus

 Supination(Palm facing up, Soup) and
Pronation(Palm facing down, Pour)[15]

Click to play video

Elbow Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Entrapped nerve
Fracture of Olecranon

Rupture or tearing of the ulnar

Joint
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfers elbow)
collateral ligament (UCL)

Avulsion of Medial Epicondyle Osteochondritis Dissecans

Radial Head Subluxation (Pulled Elbow)

Disorder
Fracture of Radial Head (FOOSH in adults)

Bursitis of Elbow

Repetitive Motion Disorder

bow
•
•
•
cell death. [3][4][5][6][7][22]
• Loss of blood supply to the area. [3][4][5][6][7][22]
• Diminished blood supply to the region. [3][4][5][6][7][22]
• Joint unstable. [3][4][5][6][7][22]

Joint popping
Weak Joint
Decrease Movement Range of Joint
Treatment:[3][4][5][7][22]
• Mild - conservative treatment
• Severe - Abrasion chondroplasty
Retrograde drilling
Microfracture/nano-drilling
Arthroscopic removal of loose bodies
Osteochondritis Dissecans
• Occurs when a portion of bone beneath cartilage within the joint experiences

• Leads to pain and sensation of the joint “sticks” or is “giving way.” [3][4][5][6][7][22]
Symptoms:[3][4][5][7][22]
•
•
Pain
Tenderness and Swelling

This X-ray shows OCD lesion at the humerus

[22]
References
1. Matt Quinn. Structures of a Synovial Joint[Internet]. England & Wales: TeachMe Anatomy; no date [updated 2020 June 30;
cited 2023 November 18]. Available from: https://teachmeanatomy.info/the-basics/joints-basic/synovial-joint/
2. Oliver Jones. The Elbow Joint[Internet]. England & Wales: TeachMe Anatomy; no date [updated 2023 Nov 2; cited 2023
November 18]. Available from: https://teachmeanatomy.info/upper-limb/joints/elbow-joint/
3. Physiopedia. Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow[Internet]. UK: Physiopedia; no date [ cited 2023 November 18].
Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Osteochondritis_Dissecans_of_the_Elbow#
4. UpToDate. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): Clinical manifestations, evaluation, and diagnosis. [Internet]. Waltham (MA):
UpToDate; [cited 2023 Nov 17]. Available from:
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/osteochondritis-dissecans-ocd-clinical-manifestations-evaluation-and-diagnosis#discl
aimerContent
5. Mayo Clinic. Osteochondritis dissecans. [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; [cited 2023 Nov 17]. Available from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteochondritis-dissecans/symptoms-causes/syc-20375887
6. Bruns J, Werner M, Habermann CR. Osteochondritis Dissecans of Smaller Joints: The Elbow. Cartilage. 2021 Oct;12(4):407-
417.
7. Richard Yoon, Bryan J. Loeffler, Joseph Lynch. Osteochondritis Dissecans of Elbow [Internet]. Orthobullets; [cited 2023 Nov
17]. Available from: https://www.orthobullets.com/shoulder-and-elbow/3085/osteochondritis-dissecans-of-elbow
8. Vashisht S, Banerjee S. Cubitus Varus. [Updated 2023 Aug 14; cited 2023 November 18].
9. Ralphs JR, Benjamin M. The joint capsule: structure, composition, ageing and disease. J Anat. 1994 June;184 ( Pt 3)(Pt
3):503-9.
10. Chang LR, Marston G, Martin A. Anatomy, Cartilage. StatPearls [Internet]. 2022 October 17; PMID: 33459595.
11. MacConaill, Michael A.. Joint (anatomy)[Internet]. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica; no dated [updated 2023 Nov 4; cited
2023 Nov 18]. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/science/joint-skeleton
12. Juneja P, Munjal A, Hubbard JB. Anatomy, Joints. 2023 April 1.
13. Dr Deirdre Brennan. Lecture 12: The Elbow Joint[PowerPoint slides]. University College Dublin; 2023 October 19.
14. Biology Online. Diarthrodial joint. Biology Online. [cited 2023 Nov 17]. Available from:
https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/diarthrodial-joint#:~:text=Diarthrodial%20joints%20are%20freely%20moving%
20joints%20wherein%20the,is%20made%20up%20of%20cartilage%20and%20fibrous%20tissues
.
15. Complete Anatomy 2023 App. Provider: 3D4Medical.com
16. Dr Deirdre Brennan. Lecture 5: Articulations of the Pectoral Girdle[PowerPoint slides]. University College Dublin; 2023
September 26.
17. Stanley Oiseth, Lindsay Jones, Evelin Maza. Elbow Joint: Anatomy [Internet]. Lecturio; no dated[updated 2022 December 6;
cited 2023 November 18]. Available from: https://www.lecturio.com/concepts/elbow-joint/
18. PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION. Measurement of Range of Motion of the Elbow and Forearm [Internet].
Musculoskeletal Key; 2016 August 10[cited 2023 November 18]. Available from:
https://musculoskeletalkey.com/measurement-of-range-of-motion-of-the-elbow-and-forearm/
19. Oliver Jones. The Cubital Fossa[Internet]. England & Wales: TeachMe Anatomy; no date [updated 2023 October 14; cited
2023 November 18]. Available from: https://teachmeanatomy.info/upper-limb/areas/cubital-fossa/
20. Best Performance Group. Elbow Complex – Anatomical Considerations[Internet]. Best Performance Group; no dated [cited
2023 November 18]. Available from: http://bestperformancegroup.com/?page_id=2386
21. MedlinePlus. Excessive carrying angle of the elbow[Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine; no dated
[updated 2022 December 12; cited 2023 November 18]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002316.htm
22. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Osteochondritis Dissecans [Internet]. Rosemont (IL): American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons; no dated [updated 2020 June; cited 2023 November 2023]. Available from:
https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/osteochondritis-dissecans/