S8) The Elbow Flashcards
What is the elbow joint?
- The elbow is the joint connecting the anatomical arm to the forearm
- It is marked by the olecranon process and the medial and lateral epicondyles
Classify the elbow joint in terms of its structure and function
- Structurally, it is classed as a synovial joint
- Functionally, it is classed as a hinge joint
Describe the articulating surfaces of the elbow
- Trochlear notch of ulna articulates with the trochlea of humerus
- Head of the radius articulates with the capitulum of humerus
Which other joint is also found within the joint capsule of the elbow?
Proximal radioulnar joint
Describe the movement of the elbow joint and identify the muscles involved
- Extension: triceps brachii and anconeus
- Flexion: brachialis, biceps brachii, brachioradialis
Discuss the stability of elbow joint
- Like all synovial joints, the elbow joint has a strong and fibrous capsule enclosing and strengthening the joint
- The joint capsule is thickened medially and laterally to form collateral ligaments, which stabilise the flexing and extending motion of the arm
Describe the anatomical position of the collateral ligaments of the elbow joint
- The radial collateral ligament lies on the laterally, extending from the lateral epicondyle and blending with the annular ligament of the radius
- The ulnar collateral ligament originates from the medial epicondyle, and attaches to the coronoid process and olecranon of the ulna
What is a bursa and what does it do?
- A bursa is a membranous sac filled with synovial fluid
- It acts to cushion the moving parts of a joint, preventing degenerative damage and reducing friction
Identify the 3 elbow bursa of clinical importance
Describe the anatomical location of the 3 elbow bursa
- Intratendinous bursa is located within the tendon of the triceps brachii
- Subtendinous bursa is located between the olecranon and the tendon of the triceps brachii
- Subcutaneous bursa is located between the olecranon and the overlying connective tissue
Identify the common injuries to the elbow and wrist joint
- Acute/trauma: fractures, dislocations
- Chronic/degenerative: arthritis, tendinopathies
Identify 4 acute / traumatic clinical conditions affecting the elbow
- Elbow dislocation
- Supracondylar fracture
- Radial head/neck fractures
- Radial head subluxation
Identify 6 chronic / degenerative clinical conditions affecting the elbow
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lateral elbow tendinopathy
- Medial elbow tendinopathy
- Olecranon bursitis
- Gout tophi
What is an elbow dislocation?
- An elbow dislocation is a clinical condition in which the joint surfaces of the elbow are separated and presents with pain, deformity or loss of function
- It is the 2nd most common dislocation and results from FOOSH
What is a supracondylar fracture of the distal humerus?
- A supracondylar humerus fracture is a fracture of the distal humerus just above the elbow joint which occurs from FOOSH
- It is usually transverse/oblique above the medial and lateral condyles and epicondyles and involves neurovascular compromise – paraesthesia, radial pulse, capillary return