The structure and functions of different parts of the body, including bone joints, are studied by anatomy. The elbow joint refers to the bone joints of the free upper limb and is formed as a result of the articulation of separate parts of 3 bones: the humerus, ulna and radius.
Component parts of a joint
The elbow joint is an unusual bony joint that connects the shoulder and forearm.
The special structure makes it possible to classify the joint as a complex and combined joint.
A compound joint is one in which more than two articular surfaces take part. There are three of them in the elbow:
- articular surface of the distal epiphysis of the humerus (block and head of the condyle);
- articular surface of the ulna (trochlear and radial notch);
- head and articular circumference of the radius.
Combined joint refers to those joints in which several independent joints are united by one joint capsule. In the elbow in one capsule are combinedthree independent.
The anatomy of the human elbow joint is very unusual, it combines 3 different types of joints in one joint:
- shoulder-ulnar - uniaxial, block-shaped;
- shouloradial - spherical, but the movement is carried out around two axes (frontal and vertical);
- radio-ulnar - cylindrical (rotation around a vertical axis).
Possible movements at the elbow
The structure of the joint allows you to perform a certain set of movements. These are flexion, extension, rotation (pronation and supination).
Articular capsule
The joint capsule surrounds 3 joints. It is fixed in front and on the sides.
Front and back rather thin, slightly stretched, but on the sides it is protected by the ligaments of the elbow joint. The anatomy of the synovial membrane includes bones that are not covered by cartilage but are in the joint.
Elbow Ligaments
Each bone connection is a complex and elaborate anatomy. The elbow joint is reinforced with ligaments that provide protection and movement in different planes.
The ulnar collateral ligament starts at the base of the humerus (medial condyle) and ends at the ulna (trochlear notch).
The radial collateral ligament starts from the humerus (lateral epicondyle), divides into 2 bundles that diverge and go around the head of the radius, attached to the ulna (radiustenderloin).
The annular and quadrate ligaments fix the radius and ulna.
The tendons of the elbow joint are attached with knobby protrusions. The anatomy of this joint is called the "head of the ulna". It is she who most often suffers from injuries and injuries.
In addition to the main ligaments of the joint, the interosseous membrane of the forearm also participates in the function of fixing the bones. It is formed by strong bundles that connect the radius and ulna. One of these bundles goes in the opposite direction from the others, called an oblique chord. It has openings through which the vessels and nerves pass. The oblique chord is the beginning for a number of muscles of the forearm.
Muscles of the elbow joint, anatomy and their functions
There are several unusual bone connections in the human body. They are all studied by anatomy. The elbow joint is unusual in its own way. It is protected by a good muscular frame. The coordinated work of all muscles ensures the smooth operation of this bone connection.
All muscles that affect the elbow joint can be divided into 3 groups: extensors, flexors, rotators (perform pronation and supination).
Extensors of the joint - triceps brachii (triceps), tensor fascia of the forearm and ulna.
Joint flexors - biceps brachii (biceps), brachioradialis and brachialis.
Pronators - brachioradialis, pronator round, pronator quadrate rotate in and out.
Supinators - biceps brachii, arch support, brachioradialisthe muscle rotates the forearm from the inside.
When doing physical exercises that strengthen the listed muscles, it is important to remember safety precautions. The elbow joint is very often injured in athletes.
Blood supply of the elbow joint, anatomy
It is very important for the joint to receive the nutrients that come to it along with the blood in a timely manner. It comes to all joints and muscles from a group of arteries. They consist of 8 branches that are located on top of the joint capsule.
The network of arteries that supply blood to the joint is made up of vessels called anastomosis.
Topographic anatomy of the elbow joint is a very complex pattern of vascular connections. Thanks to this scheme, blood flow to the joint is uninterrupted. The outflow is carried out through the veins.
Muscle Innervation
Thanks to what is the process of movement in the joint possible? There are special nerve formations that innervate the muscles. These are the radial and median nerves. They run along the front of the elbow.
Features of the elbow joint, research methods
The elbow joint is very vulnerable, as it is constantly subjected to physical stress.
Very often, in order to understand the cause of pain, the doctor prescribes additional studies. This can be X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, tomography, arthroscopy, elbow puncture.
These examinations will reflect the current state of the bones and ligaments, the joint space. In the picture of one or another study there will beits entire anatomy is shown. The elbow joint is a complex articulation that requires care and detailed study with the help of additional equipment.
The main method for diagnosing diseases of the elbow is radiography. Pictures are taken in two projections. They allow you to see all the changes in the bones.
To determine the diseases of the soft components of the elbow, doctors use other methods of research.
Injuries and illnesses
Regular pain in the elbow may indicate that there are some disorders. After examination, the most common diagnosis is arthrosis. There is also arthritis, and much more.
Arthrosis
Occurs much less frequently than in the knee or hip joints. The risk group includes people whose work is associated with increased loads on the elbow joint, who have undergone an injury or surgery on the elbow, with endocrine or metabolic disorders, with arthritis.
Main symptoms: constant aching pain that occurs after physical activity. Passes after rest. Clicking or crunching in the elbow. Range of motion limitation.
Arthritis
Inflammation of the joint. There are many possible reasons. They can be infections, allergic reactions, high stress on the joint, malnutrition.
The form of arthritis can be acute or chronic.
Main symptoms: constant pain, skin hyperemia, swelling, limited joint mobility.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Most often the elbow joint affects rheumatoid arthritis. Its symptoms: stiffness of movements in the morning, symmetrical arthritis(both joints are inflamed), chronic pain, involvement of smaller joints (hands, ankles, wrists, knees) in the painful process.
Epicondylitis
Common disease in people whose activities are associated with high loads on the elbow joint (tennis, golf, wrestling).
There are 2 types: lateral, medial.
Main symptoms: pain in the region of the damaged epicondyle, which extends to the muscles of the forearm (anterior or posterior). At the beginning of the disease, pain occurs after exertion. In the future, pain is felt even from minimal movements.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the articular bag. Most often occurs in people whose activities are associated with permanent injuries to the back of the elbow.
Main symptoms: swelling, throbbing pain, swelling in the back of the elbow, limited range of motion. Often, with the main symptoms, the temperature rises, a state of general weakness, malaise, and headaches begin.
Injuries
Unwanted physical impact on the elbow can lead to injury. These are dislocation, bone fractures, sprains, bleeding into the joint (hemarthrosis), muscle damage, rupture of the joint capsule.
The listed injuries and illnesses are the most common in everyday life. In order to protect yourself from them, you should take preventive measures: avoid excessive stress, give yourself timely rest,prevention of traumatic situations at work, adherence to a diet are important, moderate physical training and joint gymnastics are needed.
