Elbow Joint Flashcards
Joint classification, how the joint achieve stability, movements and muscles, innervation and blood supply, what can go wrong and how to tell on examination.
Classify the elbow joint according to structure and function.
Structure - synovial; function - hinge.
What are the articulating surfaces of the elbow joint?
Trochlear notch of ulna + trochlea of humerus
Head of radius + capitulum of humerus
How is stability of the elbow joint achieved?
Joint capsule and collateral ligaments.
Where is the radial collateral ligament of the elbow?
Lateral epicondyle to annular ligament of radius.
Where is the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow?
Medial epicondyle to coronoid process and olocranon of ulna.
What are the movements of the elbow joint?
Extension and flexion.
Which muscles power extension of the elbow joint?
Triceps brachii, anconeus.
Which muscles power flexion of the elbow joint?
Brachialis, biceps brachii, brachioradialis.
Which arteries supply the elbow joint?
Cubital anastomosis from recurrent and collateral branches of the brachial and deep brachial branches.
Which nerves innervate the elbow joint?
Median, musculocutaneous, and radial nerves anteriorly; ulnar nerve posteriorly.
Which bursitis affect the elbow joint?
Subcutaneous from repeated friction and pressure or infection; subtendinous from repeated flexion/extension of forearm.
What is the usual mechanism of injury of elbow dislocation?
Children, fall on hand with flexed elbow so distal end of humerus drives through weakest part of joint capsule.
What is epiconylitis?
Tennis or golfer’s elbow, inflammation of the epicondyles.
What is the difference between tennis and golfer’s elbow?
Tennis - flexor muscles of forearm from medial epicondyle; golfer’s - extensor muscles of forearm from lateral epicondyle.
What is the complication of supracondylar fractures of the elbow?
Damage to brachial artery flow leads to ischaemia, then Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture which leads to uncontrolled flexion of the hand.
