Anatomy

• Elbow joint has 2 separate articulations:

  • Trochlear notch of the ulna and the trochlea of the humerus
  • Head of the radius and the capitulum of the humerus
• The elbow joint is classed as a hinge-type synovial joint
• Joint capsule:

  • Like all synovial joints, the elbow joint has a capsule enclosing the joint - strong and fibrous
  • The joint capsule is thickened medially and laterally to form collateral ligaments - stabilise the flexing and extending motion of the arm
• Bursae:

  • Sac-like structure containing a small amount of synovial fluid - functions to decrease friction between tendons, bone and skin during movement
  • Intratendinous olecranon - located within the tendon of the triceps brachii
  • Subtendinous olecranon - between the olecranon and the tendon of the triceps brachii
  • Subcutaneous olecranon - between the olecranon and the overlying connective tissue - implicated in olecranon bursitis
• Ligaments:

  • Joint capsule is strengthened by ligaments medically and laterally
  • Radial collateral ligament - found on the lateral side of the joint, extending from the lateral epicondyle and blending with the annular ligament of the radius
  • Ulnar collateral ligament - originates from the medial epicondyle and attaches to the coronoid process and olecranon of the ulnar