The Elbow Joint

Question 1

Classification of the elbow joint

Answer 1

Synovial hinge joint

Question 2

What are the articular surfaces in the elbow joint?

Answer 2

Articulation between the trochlea surface and capitulum of the humerus and trochlear notch of the ulna and head of the radius

Question 3

Describe the Trochlea Surface of the Humerus as an articular surface

Answer 3

Surface shaped like a pulley and covers the anterior, posterior and inferior surfaces of the medial condyle of the humerus.
It articulates with the ulna at the trochlear notch.

Question 4

Describe the Capitulum as an articular surface

Answer 4

Convex and rounded projection that covers the anterior and inferior surfaces of the lateral condyle of the humerus.
It articulates with the head of the radius

Question 5

Describe the Trochlear Notch of the Ulna as an articular surface

Answer 5

It has a rounded, curved longitudinal ridge extending from the tip of the olecranon process superiorly to the tip of the coronoid process inferiorly
Articulates with the trochlear surface of the humerus

Question 6

Describe the head of the radius as an articular surface

Answer 6

Articulates with the capitulum
The cartilage of this surface is continuous with that around the sides of the head.

Question 7

describe the joint capsule of the elbow joint

Answer 7

A fibrous capsule completely encloses the elbow joint, including the superior radioulnar joint.

Question 8

Describe the anterior aspect of the elbow joint capsule

Answer 8

Arises from the medial epicondyle away from the articular surface of the trochlea.
Arches upwards and laterally attaching to the margins of the coronoid and radial fossae, and to the articular margin of the capitulum as it reaches the lateral epicondyle.

Question 9

Describe the posterior aspect of the elbow joint capsule

Answer 9

Follows the lateral margins of the capitulum and arches upwards around the olecranon fossa, returning to the medial epicondyle.

Question 10

Describe the distal aspect of the elbow joint capsule

Answer 10

Capsule attaches to the margins of the trochlear notch around the olecranon and coronoid processes. It attaches to the annular ligament of the radius and blends with the medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the joint.

Question 11

Describe the synovial membrane of the elbow joint

Answer 11

Attached to the articular margins of the humerus and ulna.
Lines the joint capsule
Reflected onto the humerus to cover the coronoid, radial and olecranon fossae.

Question 12

Describe the structure of the ulnar collateral ligaments

Answer 12

Fans out from the medial epicondyle and has thick anterior and posterior bands united by a thinner intermediate portion

Question 13

Describe the location of the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament

Answer 13

Passes from the front of the medial epicondyle to the medial edge of the coronoid process.

Question 14

Describe the location of the posterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament

Answer 14

runs from the back of the medial epicondyle to the medial edge of the olecranon

Question 15

Describe the location of the intermediate band of the ulnar collateral ligament

Answer 15

has an apex running from the under surface of the medial epicondyle to the transverse band stretched between the attachments of the anterior and posterior bands to the coronoid process and olecranon.

Question 16

Describe the structure of the radial collateral ligament

Answer 16

A strong, triangular band attached above to a depression on the anterior inferior aspect of the lateral epicondyle, deep to the common extensor tendon.
Blends with the annular ligament

Question 17

Describe the structure of the annular ligament

Answer 17

slightly thicker anterior and posterior margins passing forwards and backwards to attach to the margins of the radial notch on the ulna

Question 18

Ulnar collateral ligament origin

Answer 18

Medial epicondyle of the humerus

Question 19

Ulnar collateral ligament insertion

Answer 19

Medial aspect of the coronoid process and olecranon

Question 20

How does the ulnar collateral ligament limit movement?

Answer 20

Limits valgus forces of the elbow (Lateral misalignment)

Question 21

Radial collateral ligament origin

Answer 21

lateral epicondyle of the humerus

Question 22

Radial collateral ligament insertion

Answer 22

Margins of the radial notch on the ulna.

Question 23

How does the radial collateral ligament limit movement?

Answer 23

Limits varus forces of the elbow (misalignment towards midline)

Question 24

Name the movements of the elbow joint

Answer 24

Flexion and extension

Question 25

Describe flexion at the elbow joint

Answer 25

Active flexion is 145, passively 160

Question 26

What limits elbow flexion?

Answer 26

apposition of the flexor muscles

Question 27

Describe extension of the elbow joint

Answer 27

Active extension is 0*

Question 28

How is extension limited at the elbow?

Answer 28

limited by impact of the olecranon process on the olecranon fossa, tension in the anterior ligaments and resistance of the flexor muscles.