Elbow joint structure diagram. Elbow joint, its structure, axis of rotation, ligaments

Elbow joint, articulatio cubiti. Three bones articulate at the elbow joint: the distal end of the humerus and the proximal ends of the ulna and radius. The articulating bones form three joints enclosed in one capsule (compound joint): humeroulnar, art. humeroulnaris, brachioradialis, art. humeroradialis, and proximal radioulnar, art. radioulnaris proximalis. The latter functions together with the distal joint of the same name, forming a combined joint.

Shoulder-ulnar joint It is a block-shaped joint with a helical structure of the articular surfaces. The articular surface on the shoulder side is formed by a block, trochlea; the recess located on it (guide groove) is not located perpendicular to the axis of the block, but at a certain angle to it, as a result of which a helical stroke is obtained. Articulates with the block incisura trochlearis the ulna, which has a ridge corresponding to the same notch on the block of the humerus.

Humeral joint formed by articulation capitulum humeri with a fossa on the head of the radius and is spherical in shape, but in fact movement in it is performed only around two axes, which is possible for the elbow joint, since it is only part of the latter and is connected to the ulna, which limits its movements.

Proximal radioulnar joint consists of interconnected circumferentia articularis radii and incisura radialis ulnae and has a cylindrical shape (rotational joint of the first type). The articular capsule on the humerus covers the posterior two-thirds of the ulnar fossa, the coronoid and radial fossa in front, leaving the epicondyles free. On the ulna it is attached along the edge of the incisura trochlearis. It is fixed on the beam along the neck, forming a protrusion of the synovial membrane in front - recessus sacciformis.

The capsule is free in front and behind, but on the sides there are auxiliary ligaments: lig. collateral ulnare from ulnae and lig. collateral radiate from the beam side, located at the ends of the frontal axis and perpendicular to it. Lig. collateral ulnare starts from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and is attached along the entire medial edge of the incisura trochlearis ulnae. Lig. collateral radiale starts from the lateral epicondyle of the shoulder, covers the head of the radius with two legs in front and behind and attaches at the anterior and posterior edges of the incisurae radialis ulnae. The space between both legs is occupied by fibrous fibers, which arc around the neck and head of the beam without merging with them.

These fibers are called lig. annulare radii. Thanks to this position of the annular ligament, in a horizontal plane, perpendicular to the vertical axis of rotation, the ligament directs the movement of the beam around this axis and holds it without interfering with rotation.

Movements in the elbow joint are of two kinds. Firstly, it involves flexion and extension of the forearm around the frontal axis; these movements occur at the articulation of the ulna with the trochlea of ​​the humerus, and the radius also moves, sliding along the capitulum. The volume of movement around the frontal axis is 140°.

The second movement consists of rotation of the radius around a vertical axis and occurs at the humeroradial joint and the proximal and distal radioulnar joints, which thus constitute one combined rotatory joint. Since the hand is connected to the lower end of the ray, the latter follows the radius when moving. The movement in which the rotating radius crosses the ulna at an angle, and the hand turns from the back to the front (with the arm lowered) is called pronation, pronatio.

The opposite movement, in which both bones of the forearm are parallel to each other, and the hand is turned forward with the palm, is called supination, supinatio. The range of motion during pronation and supination of the forearm is approximately 140°.

The ability of the forearm bones to pronate and supinate, which existed in rudimentary form in animals, was improved in primates in connection with climbing trees and an increase in grasping function, but reached its highest development only in humans under the influence of labor.

X-rays of the elbow joint provide a simultaneous image of the distal humerus and the proximal bones of the forearm. In the rear and side photographs, all the details of these departments described above are visible. In a side view, trochlea and capitulum humeri are layered on top of each other, as a result of which the shadows of these formations look like concentric circles. The “X-ray joint spaces” articulatio humeroulnaris, articulatio humeroradialis, art are clearly visible. radioulnaris proximalis.

On the posterior radiograph, the gap of the humeroradial joint is especially clearly visible; on the lateral image, the gap of the humeral-ulnar joint can be traced along the entire length.

The elbow joint receives arterial blood from rete articulare, educated ah. collaterals ulnares superior et inferior (from a. brachialis), a. collateralis media and collateralis radialis (a. profunda brachii), a. recurrens radialis (from a. radialis), a. recurrens interossea (from a. interossea posterior), a. recurrens ulnaris anterior et posterior (from a. ulnaris). Venous outflow through the veins of the same name occurs into the deep veins of the upper limb - vv. radiales, ulnares, brachiales. The outflow of lymph occurs through deep lymphatic vessels in the nodi lymphatici cubitales. Innervation of the joint capsule is provided by n. medianus, n. radialis, n. ulnaris.

Educational video of the anatomy of the elbow joint

Anatomy of the elbow joint from Associate Professor T.P. Khairullina understands

The elbow joint is a complex connecting element of the humerus, ulna and radius. The combined and mobile structure allows a person to perform basic types of motor functions: flexion, extension and rotation (pronation and supination) of the forearm.

Anatomical structure of the elbow joint

The structure of the elbow joint has an unusual anatomy, representing a unique combination of three different types of simple joints:

• humeroulnar (trochlear, with one axis);
• brachioradial (spherical, with a vertical and frontal axis);
• radioulnar (cylindrical, with a vertical axis).

The common articular capsule unites and fixes independent joints, the surfaces of which are completely covered with cartilage tissue. The front and back are quite thin and not protected from damage. The lateral region of the capsule is reinforced with ligaments. The main attachment is located in the area of ​​the humerus, reaching the forearm.

The synovial membrane consists of folds and bursae, which influence the smoothness of movement and protect the non-cartilaginous joints located in the joint. Inflammatory processes and damage to this area can cause the development of a disease - elbow bursitis.

The connective fibers of the elbow joint provide the necessary fixation and protection of the joint and are represented by:

• ulnar and radial collateral ligament;
• annular radius;
• interosseous membrane of the forearm;
• square ligament.

The muscular frame of the elbow joint consists of various flexor and extensor tissues. The coordinated work of such muscles makes it possible to perform elbow movements with particular precision.

Diagnostic methods

Several diagnostic techniques will help to identify disorders and pathologies in the elbow joint. Only a doctor can assess the condition and determine the need for instrumental examinations.

Basic diagnostic measures include:

1. External examination, palpation. Redness, swelling, shine and tension of the skin, heat in the joint area may be signs of the development of pathology. Any deformations and nodular formations indicate the likelihood of violations. Palpation in a relaxed state will help identify swelling, integrity and shape of the joint, crunching and pain when moving.
2. Radiography. This method is one of the most common ways to determine the condition of the elbow joint. It is recommended to take photographs in two projections, which will allow detection of pathological changes in the bone tissue of the joint. Inflammatory processes in the muscular components of the elbow cannot be detected by radiography.
3. Tomography. A study using computer or magnetic resonance imaging opens up the possibility of identifying and visualizing any pathological changes, processes in the bone structure, and muscle tissue of the elbow.
4. Ultrasonography. The diagnostic method of ultrasound is characterized by safety, speed of obtaining results and a high degree of information content. Due to the superficial location of the elbow joint, the research method allows us to identify the early stages of the pathology.
5. Arthroscopy. The principle of the modern examination method is to perform an invasion using a special camera inserted through a small incision in the area of ​​the elbow joint. The image is displayed on the monitor, where it can be enlarged multiple times. Arthroscopy allows you to perform an internal examination of the joint and detect structural damage.
6. Puncture. The accumulation of exudate in the cavity of the elbow joint will require an accurate determination of the causative agent of inflammation by examining the fluid. A puncture allows you to diagnose and eliminate excess accumulations, or administer a medication with an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect.

Conducting timely diagnostics will help to identify the disease, determine the medical history and begin adequate therapy for the pathology. A high-quality examination in the early stages of the disease will prevent the development of disorders and complications.

Elbow diseases

Painful sensations in the elbow joint are an indication to contact a medical specialist. Pain with acute symptoms can eventually become chronic, accompanied by disturbances in the functioning of the joint and irreversible pathological consequences.

Arthrosis

The risk group for developing elbow osteoarthritis includes people whose professional activities are associated with frequent injuries, stress in the joint area, endocrine and metabolic dysfunction, previous surgery on the joint, and arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects the elbow joint much less frequently than the knee and hip joints.

Main symptoms of the disease:

• aching pain of a periodic nature (appears after loading the joint);
• crunching, clicking during motor activity of the joint;
• limitation of the functions of the elbow joint (ankylosis, decreased range of motion).

Diagnostic measures to detect the disease depend on the symptomatic picture. X-ray examination, MRI, arthroscopy are used. Treatment of the disease is based on an integrated approach, combining the use of medications and physical therapy.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory lesion of the elbow joint. The causes of the occurrence and development of pathology can be allergic reactions, various types of infectious agents (viral, fungal, or bacterial). The disease can progress to an acute or chronic stage.

Symptomatic manifestations of the disease are similar, regardless of etiology:

• intense pain;
• hyperemia of the skin;
• swelling;
• limited function of the elbow joint.

A fairly common pathology is the rheumatoid type of lesion. Symptoms of the disease are manifested by symmetrical damage to the elbow joints of both hands, stiffness of movements is felt, and swelling is observed in the joint area. The cyclical nature of the disease is characterized by periodic changes of exacerbations and remissions.

Epicondylitis

Pain in the elbow joint may be a sign of the development of epicondylitis. The risk group includes people whose activities involve heavy physical exertion, the need to perform rotational movements, and carry heavy loads. The disease is of two types: lateral and medial.

The main symptom of epicondylitis is pain in the area of ​​damage to the epicondyle. Pain in the early stages of the disease occurs after physical activity and stress and goes away over time. In the future, acute pain may occur as a result of the most minor actions and movements.

Tendinitis

A pathological inflammatory process affects the joints of the tendons of the elbow joint. Symptoms of the disease are manifested by pain during motor activity of the joint, hyperemia and pain on palpation of the joint area.

Fasciitis

The inflammatory process manifests itself locally in the fascia of the muscles of the elbow joint. Signs of the disease include nagging pain, decreased tone, weakness of muscle fibers and skin.

Neuritis

Inflammation of the nerve endings can be caused by pinching due to injury. Acute pain of a periodic nature occurs for no apparent reason and is often not associated with motor activity of the elbow joint. Symptomatic signs of neuritis are manifested by numbness of the skin, tingling sensation in the joint area, or on the skin of the forearm.

Bursitis

The disease is characterized by acute inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the joint capsule. More often, the pathological process occurs after trauma to the posterior surface of the elbow joint. Bursitis is characterized by acute and painful symptoms:

• throbbing pain;
• swelling, hyperemia of the skin;
• restriction of movements;
• development of a tumor on the back of the elbow;
• increased body temperature;
• general malaise and weakness.

Lack of timely treatment can lead to complications and serious consequences (abscess, phlegmon). It is necessary to immediately eliminate the purulent exudate from the bursa, preventing the spread of the inflammatory process.

Traumatic injuries

Pathological conditions of the elbow joint can be caused by traumatic injuries. The most common injuries are:

• bruise (damage depends on the force of the blow);
• dislocation (displacement of bones in a joint);
• sprain or rupture of ligaments;
• fracture (intra-articular injury);
• rupture of the joint capsule;
• damage to the muscle tissue of the elbow.

The consequences of untimely treatment of traumatic injuries can lead to the development of post-traumatic contracture and the occurrence of ossifications. Improper treatment can cause ankylosis - complete immobility of the elbow joint. Inadequate treatment of inflammatory processes in the joint area can cause the development of purulent lesions (lymphangitis, abscess, purulent arthritis).

The elbow joint is characterized by the complexity and strength of its anatomical structure. Physical overload, traumatic and infectious-inflammatory processes can disrupt the functionality of the joint. Pain and limited mobility of the elbow joint require immediate attention to a medical facility.

Joint problems bother almost every fourth person. Some develop problems with the hands or feet, while others develop problems with the knee and hip joints. Lesions of the elbow joint are much less common, however, given its importance for daily activities, it is worth understanding its anatomy and possible problems with it.

Joint anatomy

What is the elbow joint?

It is formed by the three main bones of the upper limb - the humerus, ulna and radius. The joint is combined (i.e., several joints are involved in its formation - the connection between the humerus and ulna, between the bones of the forearm, as well as a movable joint between the head of the humerus and the radius). All of them are closed into one capsule, which ultimately forms the elbow joint.

Movement in it is carried out along several axes - flexion/extension (movement in the frontal plane), pronation/supination (rotation to the right/left). Thanks to such mechanics, complex movements are possible.

Flexion of the elbow joint is accomplished by sliding the olecranon process along the shoulder trochlea. Rotation occurs due to the displacement of the bones of the forearm in the proximal (closest to the central axis of the body) joint.

The actions themselves are determined by the muscles attached to the bones of the upper limb. These include biceps, triceps, and deep brachii muscles. All of the above formations, including ligaments, form an integral elbow joint.

Pain syndrome

Elbow pain can occur for many reasons. First of all, it is typical for long-term work in a forced position (typing text, manicurists in beauty salons, drivers). The pain syndrome is characterized, in this case, by low intensity, a feeling of heaviness at the end of the working day, and swelling of the joint. Usually the appearance of swelling is preceded by pain in the elbow joint. The reasons for its development lie in stagnation of blood and lymph in the vessels, ischemia of the components of the joint capsule and cartilage. After performing warm-up exercises, it usually goes away.

Everything gets worse when there is any disease or inflammatory process. In this case, pain is a harbinger of a more severe condition. The exception is traumatic injuries, when it occurs after the injury. What processes underlie the fact that pain appears in the elbow joint? The causes of pain will be listed below.

Classification of diseases

Due to its complex structure, the joint is susceptible to various types of diseases. These can include both traumatic (bone fractures, dislocations, muscle tears, sprains, bruises) and non-traumatic etiology (inflammatory diseases of the muscles of the bones, joint capsules).

Injuries develop much more often than infectious lesions. Inflammatory processes are rare, however, as they progress. contribute to dysfunction of the limb and temporarily remove it from circulation.

Direct damage to the joint usually occurs after excessive load on the axis of the limb. Their treatment takes quite a long period. Rehabilitation after an injury takes no less time.

When diagnosed in a timely manner, inflammation in the elbow joint goes away quite quickly. The function of the limb after the disease either does not suffer, or its ability to move is slightly impaired. What diseases are most common?

Epicondylitis

The disease is a consequence of muscle overload. There are two forms of the process - lateral and medial.

The medial form develops in people engaged primarily in light but long-term physical labor (seamstresses, shoe repairers, and professional golfers).

Lateral epicondylitis is usually associated with overload of the limb during sudden movements. Tennis players usually suffer.

Most often, the disease is characterized by pain in the area of ​​the epicondyles of the humerus. The pain is intense, aching. It intensifies when trying to bend or straighten the arm. If there are similar symptoms, and the disease was preceded by a tendon injury in the elbow area, then epicondylitis of the elbow joint occurs. Treatment in this case should begin immediately so as not to worsen the condition and not provoke further rupture of tendons and muscles. If complications develop (prolonged pain, obstruction of joint flexion), surgical intervention may be required.

Dislocations in the elbow joint

They develop quite often. Given that the joint is formed by three smaller joints, an elbow dislocation can occur at any of them.

Dislocation in the humeroradial joint is the most severe, as it is always accompanied by a fracture of part of the ulna. It usually develops when falling on a hand extended downward with the palm of the hand. The treatment is relatively long, as it requires fusion of the bone fragment of the elbow with the bone.

Dislocations in the elbow joint are often accompanied by rupture of the interosseous membrane. The reason is a sharp rotation of the forearm relative to its axis. Heals much faster than a dislocated elbow.

Displacement of the radius relative to the humeral head usually occurs when the interosseous membrane is ruptured. In this case, movements are maintained due to sliding relative to the shoulder block. A dislocation of the elbow joint in this case will be accompanied by pain and the appearance of a bone formation (which is the radius) under the skin of the inner surface of the elbow.

Fracture

The most common traumatic injury. It can occur relatively easily (as is observed with a dislocation), but in some cases its treatment becomes extremely difficult (if both bones of the forearm are broken or the integrity of the articular surface of the shoulder is damaged).

An elbow fracture can develop for various reasons. First of all, it appears when a heavy object hits a limb. A prerequisite is strict fixation of the limb (as, for example, when gripping a horizontal bar or barbell). Another reason, as already mentioned, is a fall from a height onto an outstretched arm.

With a fracture, a shortening of the absolute length of the limb is often observed (if the fracture is oblique and displaced). The relative length also decreases.

Treatment if a fracture of the elbow joint has developed takes a long time and requires fixation in a plaster cast or splint in a physiological position (bent at an angle of 90 degrees).

Muscle and ligament ruptures

These types of injuries usually accompany fractures. Muscle rupture can occur due to damage from bone fragments. However, the most common cause of rupture is excessive muscle tension during any work. Loaders, weightlifters and wrestlers are most susceptible to ruptures.

The ligaments of the elbow joint are damaged more often than the muscles. Usually, they are stretched (when trying to increase the amplitude of the movement being performed - for example, when rotating the forearm).

Typically, these injuries are characterized by the development of pain. With ruptures, the pain is severe and is accompanied by the development of a hematoma at the site of the rupture. Active movements, with a strong gap, are impossible. A sprain is characterized by a low-intensity aching pain that intensifies with movement.

Treatment of the elbow joint for such injuries includes immobilization (plaster for a rupture or a bandage for a sprain), taking painkillers. As the main symptoms subside, physical therapy and some physical procedures are necessary.

Inflammation of articular cartilage and capsule

Rheumatoid arthritis is common in young people. Characterized by damage to both elbow joints. A characteristic lesion of the disease is the formation of subcutaneous nodules on the extensor surface of the elbow.

Most often, arthritis of the elbow joint develops in older and older people. This is due to their work, as well as physiological aging. People who suffer mainly from manual labor.

The disease manifests itself as stiffness in the elbow and mild pain. During movement, a specific crunch and friction of the articular surfaces against one another may be felt. Over time, muscle atrophy occurs (usually in older people) with the development of muscle contractures. Arthritis of the elbow joint is one of the main causes of disability.

Treatment involves the use of analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as means to restore normal processes in the joint cavity.

Arthrosis of the elbow joint

The disease is similar to the clinical picture of arthritis, but there are significant differences in its pathogenesis.

The process is based on the depletion of articular cartilage. There is a decrease in the joint space and joint cavity. Since the only shock-absorbing structure disappears, friction between the articular surfaces begins to develop. Over time, due to such movement, bone tissue is erased. New bone begins to form at the site of injury. The process may be aggravated by the development of bone deformations, which will ultimately lead to the inability to perform active movements.

Arthrosis of the elbow joint is characterized by pain during prolonged work and external changes in the joint (in later stages). Develops when working at a computer for a long time (movements are made with stress on the elbows). Often leads to the development of bone ankylosis, which can only be eliminated surgically.

Therapeutic measures

What to do if any of the above diseases develop or symptoms of one of them appear? First of all, it is necessary to consult a traumatologist or neurologist, who can make a reliable diagnosis. You should also conduct some research to determine the condition of the joint. Only if research results are available can appropriate treatment begin.

The complex of treatment measures includes non-drug methods, drug therapy and surgical operations.

Non-drug methods include therapeutic exercises, sets of warm-up exercises, diet, as well as treatment of elbow joints with folk remedies.

The diet involves avoiding spicy foods and alcohol. The diet should be varied with foods containing calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. These substances promote regeneration processes in affected joints.

Exercises help reduce the load on your elbows, as well as prepare them for any work. In this way, injury prevention is also carried out.

Drug therapy

Medicines are used mainly for intense pain or inflammatory processes in the joints.

First of all, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (“Nimesulide”, “Diclofenac”, “Meloxicam”) have found widespread use for all types of pathology of the elbow joints. These drugs help to subside inflammatory processes in the joints and also have an antianginal (anti-pain) effect.

Treatment of the elbow joint with these drugs is best done under the control of the gastrointestinal tract. A mandatory prescription if these drugs are prescribed for a long term is Omeprazole. This drug helps protect the gastric mucosa from the development of NSAID gastropathy.

If epicondylitis of the elbow joint has developed, treatment is best started with the use of antibiotics, since tendon ruptures can be complicated by bursitis, tenosynovitis, or the development of an abscess.

Injectable drugs are prescribed mainly into the joint cavity for arthritis and arthrosis. By creating a high concentration of the drug in the joint, the best analgesic effect is achieved.

Surgical treatment and prevention

It is usually performed when traumatic joint injuries develop. Surgery is necessary if there is a comminuted fracture of any of the bones that form the elbow joint. In this case, the joint is opened, the fragments are accurately compared and fixed. Otherwise, if the bones do not heal properly, movement in the joint may be impaired, up to the complete loss of its functions.

Surgical methods also include reduction of complicated dislocations. It must be carried out under anesthesia. After reduction, a splint or plaster cast is applied to the arm, which allows you to immobilize the joint and speed up its recovery processes.

Preventing the development of injuries includes following safety precautions in sports and work, thoroughly warming up before work, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and giving up bad habits. It is also important to have a conscious attitude towards your health and the state of the musculoskeletal system.

The elbow joints play an important role in the human musculoskeletal system. Every day, hands are exposed to intense loads, the levels of which may be higher than the maximum permissible. They are in constant motion, participate in lifting weights, participate in flexion and extension of the elbow - the joints of the hands have to cope with all this difficult work.

Elbow pain can be caused by damage to articular cartilage, tendon rupture, muscle and ligament sprains, cardiovascular diseases, and even pathologies of the nervous system. All problems should be taken seriously, since any complications can cause irreversible damage to the limb.

Due to its atypical structure, the elbow joint belongs to complex joints, since 3 bones are involved in its formation: the humerus, the ulna, and the radius. They form a connection of several joints, which are located in one capsule:

• humeroulnar;
• brachioradial;
• proximal radioulnar.

All components that make up the elbow joint are covered with hyaline cartilage, due to which the joint does not lose its mobility and is protected from damage.

The ulna plays an important role in the structure of the entire joint. It has a triangular shape with widening at the ends. On its outer and inner surfaces there are special notches for connection with the radius and humerus. These notches are bounded on two sides by processes: the anterior, or coronoid, and the posterior, ulnar.

There are also special protrusions with a bumpy surface for attaching the tendons of the arm muscles. The connection with the radius occurs on the lower part of the ulna, at the site of its thickening. This is an important and vulnerable place called the head of the ulna.

With injuries and damage to this part, the motor ability of the arm is lost: the process of flexion and extension becomes impossible. On the posterior surface of this head there is a styloid process. A person can easily feel this bone under the skin.

The humerus is tubular and long in structure. It performs important functions despite its simple structure. It starts from the shoulder joint and continues all the way to the bend of the elbow. Its lower part has a triangular shape.

The place where the ulna and humerus come together is called the trochlea. Above the trochlea, the humerus has a coronoid fossa, above the condyle - a radius, and behind - an ulna, to which the olecranon process adjoins. The hemispherical shape of the upper end of the humerus bone is turned towards the scapula. This device is the head of the humerus. It has protrusions that are necessary for attaching muscles and ligaments. You can easily feel them with your hand.

One of the bones of the forearm is the radius. It has a simple anatomy. Its lower end is wide, gradually tapering towards the middle. The narrowest place is the neck, which has a lumpy surface to which the tendons are attached. To connect with the protrusions of the humerus, there are special notches in the upper part; the lower end of the radius articulates with the bones of the wrist.

At the junction with the wrist there is a styloid process, which can be felt with the hand through the skin. Another important point is the limitation of the interosseous space of the forearm; it is provided by the ulna and radius bones, which have sharp edges directed towards each other.

The structure of the elbow joint as a complex joint

The elbow joint is formed from 3 small joints: the humeral, radial and proximal. They are united by a common capsule. The elbow joint is responsible for the rotational movements of the arm. They are carried out by special muscle groups called pronators and supinators. The difference between these muscles is that they control the movements of the arm, each in its own direction, with an amplitude of 140 degrees. They play a huge role, because at the slightest movement the hands come into action. If the functioning of the joint is impaired, then the execution of actions will be incorrect. If a person’s muscle tone is weak, then it may be possible to bend the elbow in the other direction. In a person with developed muscles, extension does not occur completely, since muscle tone is increased.

The main function of the ligaments is to hold the elbow joint. There are two main collateral ligaments located there:

1. Ulnar - located between the internal protrusion on the surface of the condyle of the shoulder and the bony notch on the ulna, does not allow the elbow to twist. Injury to such a ligament manifests itself as a sprain or rupture. When stretched, pain occurs; when ruptured, they do not function.
2. Radial - originates from the external epicondyle of the humerus, then diverges into two parts: one bundle of fibers covers the base of the radius, forming an annular ligament, and the other is attached to the ulna.

Collateral ligaments block lateral displacement in the human elbow joint.

Muscles that are responsible for movement in the elbow joint

Thanks to the muscles in the elbow joint, movements such as:

• extension and flexion of the forearm;
• supination and pronation of the forearm (or rotation).

Based on this, the muscles involved in producing movements in the elbow joint are divided into 4 functional groups. Some muscles perform several functions, so they can simultaneously be included in different functional groups.

Forearm flexors

These muscles perform flexion of the forearm and are located anterior to the transverse axis of the elbow joint. The forearm flexors include the following muscles:

1. brachioradialis;
2. shoulder;
3. biceps.

Forearm extensors

This muscle group is responsible for extension of the forearm. The forearm extensors are located posterior to the transverse axis of the elbow joint and include the following muscles:

1. ulna;
2. triceps (brachial).

Pronators of the forearm

This group includes the muscles that are responsible for rotating the forearm from the outside inward. This muscle group combines:

1. brachioradialis;
2. pronator quadratus;
3. pronator teres.

Forearm supports

These muscles provide rotation of the forearm from the inside out. The supinators of the forearm include:

1. supinator muscle;
2. brachioradialis;
3. biceps.

Elbow joint on x-ray

In some cases, to identify pathology of the osteoarticular apparatus, doctors prescribe an X-ray examination of the damaged area. The elbow joint is no exception. A photograph of this area of ​​the human skeleton is taken in two projections: from the side and from the back.

In a normal x-ray picture, the contours of all three joints that form the elbow joint are smooth, and the joint spaces are approximately the same thickness. There are humeroradial, humeroulnar and radioulnar joint spaces. In children, ossification nuclei can be detected in all three bones.

The anatomy of the human elbow joint is a well-coordinated mechanism. It allows a person to make numerous movements with his hands. If the joint becomes diseased, movement disorders of the entire upper limb occur. The elbow joint is of great importance for humans; its many components are interesting to study. Let's take a closer look at the elbow joint: its structure.

You will learn

The structure of the human elbow joint

The anatomy of this mechanism includes 3 bones, a capsule, muscles and several ligaments. For each of these elements to work, innervation and blood supply are necessary. The elbow joint also contains blood vessels and nerves, just like other parts of the human body. The structure is created in such a way that all its components work together. The result of their activity is movement of the arm, namely flexion and extension of the upper limb, pronation, supination, abduction and adduction of the forearm.

This mechanism includes 3 bones, each of which has certain functions and features:

Anatomy of the elbow ligaments

The job of the ligaments is to perform coordinated movements while protecting the joint.
It contains several links:

• Collateral. Located from the medial condyle to the trochlear notch of the ulna.
• Radial collateral. It originates from the lateral condyle and reaches the radial notch of the ulna. It is divided into 2 diverging and enveloping bundles of the radius.
• The ring and square are needed to secure the radius and ulna.

The tendons are fixed at the tuberosities of the radial bone. They are called the head of the radius. This connection is most often injured because it cannot withstand too much load.

In order for all components of the joint to function correctly, they need a blood supply. It is carried out thanks to three vessels. These are the brachial, ulnar and radial arteries. Each of them has branches, so all components of the joint are provided with blood flow.

Some of the arteries and their branches fill the muscles with oxygen, while the other part supplies the bones and joints with nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Expert opinion

Kozhbukh Marina Igorevna, traumatologist

The network of these vessels is called anastomosis. If at least one component of the network is damaged, blood still flows through all channels. However, this network does not help with injuries: it is extremely difficult to stop blood from the network of vessels. The patient may lose a lot of blood.

Features of the structure of the elbow joint

Experts say that in the elbow joint the bone tissue is covered with cartilage. This allows the bone joints to move. Cartilage tissue becomes the protection of bones from various damages that can occur during friction. The bones that form the joint are surrounded by a common capsule. It is secured on the sides and front. Its fixation in front is thin, and on the sides it is carried out by articular ligaments.

The joint is protected by muscle tissue. It is divided into two types: the anterior muscle group and the posterior. The front starts from the bottom of the shoulder. It is responsible for bending the arm at the forearm. The posterior group is located at the rear of the humeral surface. Thanks to it, movements of the shoulder and forearm occur.

Common diseases of the elbow joint

Physical stress is placed on the joint every day. If it becomes too large, the risk of injury or the development of an inflammatory process in the joint increases. Among the most common injuries:

• dislocations;
• sprains and ligament tears;
• subluxations;
• hemorrhages into the joint cavity.

Such injuries occur especially often in athletes or people who work a lot physically. The joint cannot withstand the heavy load and becomes injured. This also happens with falls, blows, or carelessness. After an injury, joint pathologies often occur. This happens if complications arose or during the rehabilitation period the person continued to move a lot and did not follow the doctor’s advice.

In addition to injuries, the joint may suffer from diseases:

1. arthrosis;
2. epicondylitis of the elbow;
3. bursitis.

Important! These diseases reveal themselves by several symptoms. First of all, this is pain in the elbow, the inability to move the arm without pain, swelling, and redness. When you move your hand, you can hear a crunching sound in your elbow or shoulder. The patient's condition worsens: he feels weak and his performance decreases.

Diseases can be provoked by increased physical activity, infection, impaired metabolism, calcium deficiency, frequent hypothermia, heredity, intoxication of the body, excess weight, unbalanced nutrition.

Video

In this video you can clearly see what is where in the elbow.

The anatomy of the elbow joint is quite complex and diverse. The structure includes not only bones and muscles, but also arteries and ligaments. The coordinated work of all these elements allows a person to move his hand and make both simple and complex movements.