Question | Answer |
What 3 joints make up the elbow? | Ulnohumeral
Radiohumeral
Proximal Radioulnar |
Which of the elbow joints are included in the elbow capsule? | All of them |
What are the primary motions of each elbow joint? | Ulnohumeral: primary hinge (flex/ext)
Radiohumeral & Proximal Radioulnar: rotation/pivoting motions |
The Elbow Capsule | Follows perimeter of elbow, distally blends with annular lig;
Ant. portion taut with extension; Post. portion taut with flexion;
Reinforced by lateral & medial collateral ligs |
What is the Medial (Ulnar) Collateral Ligament made up of? | Anterior Bundle
Posterior Bundle
Transverse Ligament |
Anterior Band of UCL | Inserts into anteromedial portion of coronoid of ulna
Controls valgus forces |
Posterior Band of UCL | Originates posterior & inferior to axis of rotation & inserts into medial semilunar notch of proximal ulna;
Becomes taut from 60-90 deg flexion |
Transverse Band of UCL | Doesn't cross elbow joint
Doesn't contribute to joint stability |
Lateral Ligament Structures | Lateral UCL
Radial collateral ligament- radial head to humerus
Annular Ligament- encircles radial head |
Lateral UCL | Spans radiocapitellar joint
Superficial to annular ligament
Resists varus stress |
Radial Collateral Ligament | Originates from lateral epicondyle, inserts into annular ligament
Origin close to axis
Remains taut throughout ROM |
Annular Ligament | Fibro-osseous ring that stabilizes the radial head;
Originates & inserts on ant/post margins of lesser sigmoid notch |
Anterior Elbow Pain causes | Biceps tendonitis
Biceps rupture at the elbow (lose supination strength, some flexion, more problematic if torn at distal insertion)
Bicipital bursitis
Ant. capsule
Pronster Syndrome- median n. |
Posterior Elbow Pain causes | Olecranon impingement
More a person throws, elbow becomes loose & forms osteophytes, so when throwing with increased valgus, rubs more on posterior medial elbow |
Medial Elbow Pain causes | Epicondylitis
If jts are loose, ulnar n may sublux
Ulnar n s/sx can come from swelling, which causes chemical irritation- medial epicondylitis for example |
Lateral Elbow Pain causes | Lateral Epicondylitis
Post. interosseous n. compression syndrome (radial n.)
Radial head fx
Radiocapitellar chrondromalacia
Osteochondritis dissecans of capitellum |