Elbow Stability

• Elbow Stability - Medial more stable than lateral due to:

  • Articular surfaces:
  • greater surface area medially
  • greater reciprocity medially
  • Capsule:
  • laterally no bony attachment
  • Radial collateral ligament:
  • not as strong
• Elbow Stability - Flexion more stable than extension due to:

  • Greater contact between articular surfaces of trochlea and trochlear notch
  • Head of radius moves closer to capitulum
  • Greatest stability is at 90 ° midpoint of pronation and supination = position you assume for delicate dextrous movements and power movements