The elbow can be referred to as a complex joint formed by the fusion of three bones, namely: the Humerus, Radius, and Ulna. This joint helps in bending or straightening the arm to 180 degrees and moving or lifting objects.
Given below are the structural units that support the bones of the elbow:
Following is an explanation of each of these consisting units explained by our elbow joint specialist in Dadar, Mumbai.
Given below is a brief description of each of the three bones that are involved in the articulation of the elbow joint:
The three joints present in the elbow include:
The articulating regions of the Humerus, Radius, and Ulna are lined with articular cartilage lines. Articular cartilage is a flexible, thin, tough, and slippery surface that allows easy articulation, increased weight distribution, and shock absorption. Furthermore, the cartilage is lubricated by synovial fluid, which makes the smooth movement of the bones possible.
There are a number of muscles extending across the elbow joint that allow it various movements. They are explained as follows:
Both Ligaments and tendons are composed of connective tissues, and they provide support and stability to the elbow joint.
Ligaments
Ligaments are a group of muscular tissues that connect bones to other bones. Given below are the two most important ligaments of the elbow joint which together stabilize the elbow:
The medial and lateral ligaments are responsible for holding the Humerus and Ulna tightly in position during the arm movement.
Furthermore, the ligaments around a joint combine to form a joint capsule that contains synovial fluid. Any injury to these ligaments can result in joint instability. Our elbow joint specialist in Dadar, Mumbai frequently performs elbow joint repair and replacement surgeries to treat such complex ligament injuries.
Tendons
Tendons are the groups of connective tissue fibers that connect muscles to bones. Given below are the two tendons which surround the elbow joint:
The most important nerves present in the elbow joint are known as ulnar, radial, and median nerves. The function of these nerves is to transfer signals from the brain to the muscles that make the movement of the elbow possible. In addition, they also carry important sensory signals such as touch, temperature, and pain back to the brain.
"These nerves are crucial for the functioning of the arm, and even a minor injury or damage to these nerves can lead to the pain, weakness, or instability of the elbow joint", says our elbow joint specialist in Mumbai.
Arteries are blood vessels that perform the role of transporting oxygen-pure blood from the heart to the hand. The brachial artery is the main artery that extends across the inner side of the elbow and divides itself into two small branches below the elbow to form the ulnar and the radial artery.
The elbow is a hinge joint made up of 3 bones – humerus, radius and ulna. The bones are held together by ligaments to provide stability to the joint.
Know MoreThe elbow contains a large, curved, pointy bone at the back called the olecranon, which is covered by the olecranon bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that allows smooth movement between the bone and overlying skin.
Know MoreThree bones, the humerus, radius and ulna, make up the elbow joint. Elbow fractures may occur from trauma, resulting from various reasons...
Know MoreTennis elbow is the common name used for the elbow condition called lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle).
Know MoreGolfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions in the forearm that leads to inflammation and microtears in the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle.
Know MoreElbow contracture refers to a stiff elbow with limited range of motion. It is a common complication following elbow surgery, fractures, dislocations and burns.
Know MoreCubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition characterised by compression of the ulnar nerve in an area of the elbow called the cubital tunnel.
Know More