5 Elbow joint + cubital fossa Flashcards
How many articulations does elbow joint invovle ?
3 separate articulation
Which joints are primarily involved with hinge-like flexion and extension of the forearm on the arm ?
- joints between the trochlear notch of the ulna and the trochlea of the humerus
- and between the head of the radius and the capitulum of the humerus
Which joint is involved with pronation and supination of the forearm ?
joint between head of radius and radial notch of the ulna (proximal radio-ulnar joint)
what are the 3 articulations of the elbow joint ?
- humero-ulnar joint
- humero-radial joint
- proximal radio-ulnar joint
where’s the humero-ulnar joint between?
trochlea of humerus and trochlear notch of ulna or elbow proper
where’s humero-radial joint between ?
capitulum of humerus and radial head
where’s proximal radio-ulnar joint between ?
edge of head of radius and the radial notch of the ulna
What’s the most important ligamnet of the elbow ?
annular ligament
What are the major flexors of the elbow proper ?
- brachialis
- biceps brachii
- brachioradialis
What are the bursae of the elbow which are of major importance ?
- olecranon bursa
- subtendinous bursa
where does olecranon bursa lie ?
in subcutaneous connective tissue overlying the olectranon posteriorly
Repeated pressure to the area where the olecranon bursa lies can produce what ?
inflammation
medical student’s elbow or miner’s elbow
Where does the subtendinous bursa between lie ?
triceps tendon and the olecranon
when can subtendinous bursa become inflammed ? when can it occur ?
due to friction such as can occur in occupations when there is repetitive work e.g. some assembly line jobs
In which persons would a bursa between the biceps tendon and the radius become inflamed ?
those who make repeated pronation / supination movements
Injuried to the elbow joint complex are not uncommon particularly in who ?
children
when can avulsion of the medial epicondyle occur ?
after a fall which is caused by severe abduction of the fully extended forearm
What is mechanism of injury of avulsion of the medial epicondyle ?
traction on the ulnar collateral liagament pulls the medial epicondyle medially
- what may cause a posterior dislocation ?
- particulary in who ?
- a fall on the outstretched hand
- teenagers and young adults
why does a fall on the outstretched hand cause a posterior dislocation particularly in teenagers and young adults ?
bone stronger than ligament so doesn’t fracture but ligaments rupture and the elbow dislocates
What fracture is more likely associated with a fall in children and in the elderly and why ?
supracondylar fracture, because boens are weaker
Which nerve is vulnerable to damage with injury, fracture or dislocation of the elbow and why ?
ulnar nerve
close proximity to the lower end of the humerus
Cubital fossa:
1. lateral border
2. medial border
3. superior border
4. roof
5. floor
- medial border of the brachioradialis muscle
- lateral boer of the pronator teres muscle
- horizontal line drawn between the epicondyles of the humerus
- bicipital aponeurosis, fascia, subcutaneous fat and skin
- brachialis (proximally) and supinator (distally)
