ANATOMY OF

ELBOW JOINT
By Dr. Samia
 Elbow Joint
• Elbow joint consists of two separate articulations:
• Trochlear notch of the ulna articulates with
trochlea of the humerus
• Head of the radius articulates with capitulum of
the humerus
• Note: The proximal radioulnar joint is found
within same joint capsule of the elbow, but most
resources consider it as a separate articulation.
 Movements at Elbow Joint
• Elbow Flexion (ROM = 0-150)
• Elbow Extension (ROM = 150-0)
 Movements at Radio-ulnar joint
• Forearm Supination (ROM = 0-80)
• Forearm Pronation (ROM = 80-0)
 Group Action of Muscles

MOVEMENT AGONISTS ANTAGONISTS SYNERGISTS FIXATORS

Biceps brachii, Pronator teres, Extensor carpi

Elbow Flexion Brachialis, Triceps brachii radialis longus, Flexor carpi Muscles of shoulder
Brachioradialis radialis, Flexor carpi ulnaris

Elbow Extension Triceps brachii Biceps brachii, Brachialis, Anconeus Muscles of shoulder
(Long, Lateral, Brachioradialis
Medial head)
Forearm Pronator teres Supinator Flexor carpii Radialis Muscles of shoulder
Pronation Pronator Quadratus Biceps brachii Brachialis, Triceps brachii
Forearm Supinator Pronator teres Brachioradialis, Flexor carpi Muscles of shoulder,
Supination Biceps brachii Pronator Quadratus ulnaris Triceps brachii
LIGAMENTS OF ELBOW JOINT
 Fractures and dislocations
• Typically occur as a result of fragility and normally following a fall such
as a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH)
• Monteggia fracture - fracture of the proximal 1/3 of the ulnar shaft
accompanied by the dislocation of the radial head.
• Hume fracture - fracture of the olecranon accompanied by anterior
dislocation of the radial head.
• Galezzi's fracture-fracture to the distal radius accompanied by ulnar
head dislocation at distal radio-ulna joint.
Ulnar fracture