M Upper limb 2 - The elbow joint Flashcards
What 3 bones is the elbow joint composed of?
- humerus
- ulna - medial
- radius - lateral
What are the 2 articulations of the elbow joint?
- humero-ulnar
2. humero-radial
What is involved in humero-ulnar articulation? (2)
- trochlea of the humerus
2. trochlear notch of the ulna
What is involved in the humero-radial articulation? (2)
- the capitulum
2. the upper surface of the radial head - flat
What ligaments reinforces the capsule of the elbow joint? (2)
1.LATERALLY
radial collateral ligament
2.MEDIALLY
ulnar collateral ligament
What aspect of the capsule allows for flexion and extension to occur? (2)
- thin
2. loose anteriorly and posteriorly
Why is the elbow joint one of the most stable joints in the body?
- good congruity between humero-ulnar joint
- the trochelar notch of the ulna and the trochlea of the humerus
How much force is required to dislocate the elbow?
a lot
What age range and activities tend to cause dislocation of the elbow joint?
AGE
young adults
ACTIVITIES
sports
What happens during elbow dislocation? (4)
- humerus moves forwards
- humerus projects anteriorly
- ulnar projects posteriorly
- radius projects posteriorly
What percentage of elbow dislocations are posterior elbow dislocations?
80-90%
What happens in posterior elbow dislocation?
distal end of humerus is driven through the weak anterior part of the joint capsule
What are the causes of posterior elbow dislocation?
falling onto hands with elbows flexed
HYPEREXTENSION - drives the ulnar posterolaterally
What ligament can be torn in posterior elbow dislocation?
ulnar collateral ligament
What fractures can occur in posterior elbow dislocation?
- head of radius
- coronoid process
- olecranon process
What nerve could get injured during posterior dislocation of the elbow?
ulnar nerve
What are the symptoms of posterior elbow dislocation?
- severe pain in elbow region
- Elbow appears to be widened
- prominent olecranon process (lump of elbow)
What plexus is the ulnar nerve a part of?
brachial plexus
What does the ulnar nerve travel down posteriorly?
medial epichondyle
What feeling do you get when you hit the ulnar nerve?
funny bone feeling
What happens when you injure the ulnar nerve? (4)
- numbness of the medial part of the palm
- numbness of medial 1 and 1/2 fingers
- weakness in flexion
- weakness of adduction of the wrist
What muscle is bound to wrist on the ulnar/medial side of the forearm?
flexor carpi ulnaris
How elbow dislocations classified? (2)
- simple elbow dislocation
2. complex elbow dislocation
Is surgery required for a simple elbow dislocation?
no
What is the prognosis like for simple elbow dislocation?
good
What is a simple elbow dislocation?
ligamentous injury only
no fracture
What is complex dislocation?
fracture of bone in the forearm
Is surgery required for complex elbow dislocation and why?
yes - to maintain elbow in normal position