Bones, Joints and Movement - L0 8
8. Identify the major joints and associated ligaments in the elbow & forearm region. Explain what kind of movements occur at the joints and other pertinent information.
There are 3 articulations associated with a shared articular capsule in the elbow region.
Humero-ulnar [elbow] joint: hinge joint; articulation of trochlea and olecranon fossa of humerus and trochlear notch of ulna
Humeroradial joint: hinge joint; articulation of capitulum of humerus and head of radius
Proximal radio-ulnar joint: pivot joint; articulation of head of radius and radial notch of ulna
Accessory structures of elbow region:
Ligaments:
Ulnar collateral ligament of elbow joint: intrinsic ligament spanning from medial epicondyle of humerus to olecranon/coranoid process of ulna
Radial collateral ligament of elbow joint: intrinsic ligament attached to lateral epicondyle of humerus and blending with anular ligament of radius
Anular ligament of radius: circumferential ligament surrounding head of radius and blending with radial collateral ligament of elbow joint
Bursae
Olecranon bursae: typically 3 sets (intratendinous, subtendinous, & subcutaneous) associated with triceps tendon and olecranon of ulna
Clinical significance
Bursitis of elbow: inflammation of bursa(e) associated with elbow joint; subcutaneous olecranon bursitis is the most common type
Subluxation or dislocation of radial head ["pulled elbow"]: common injury in juveniles after sudden pulling or lifting event; injury to the anular ligament of radius and displacement of radial head (typically distally)
Remaining joints of forearm:
Radio-ulnar syndesmosis: fibrous joint
Intermediate radio-ulnar joint; interosseous membrane of forearm connects the bodies of the radius & ulna
Distal radio-ulnar joint: synovial pivot joint (pronation and supination)
Accessory structures: articular disc [triangular ligament]
Unites radius and ulna in this region; separation point for synovial cavities of distal radio-ulnar & wrist joints