Elbow Anatomy Diagram

The impact of elbow damage

The elbow joint is involved in a wide range of movements, including bending and extending the arm, and rotating the forearm. When the elbow is injured, these movements can become painful and restricted, leading to decreased functionality.

Common causes of elbow damage include trauma, overuse injuries, and degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Trauma can result from falls, direct blows, or accidents, leading to fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears. Overuse injuries, such as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, occur due to repetitive motions and strain on the tendons and muscles around the elbow. Degenerative conditions can cause the cartilage in the elbow joint to wear down over time, leading to pain and stiffness.

Elbow damage can significantly affect an individual's ability to perform daily activities and participate in sports or physical work. Damage that affects the humerus can also affect the radial nerve, leading to loss of function in the wrist, hand, and fingers. Elbow injuries can also cause damage to the radial and ulnar arteries, leading to impaired blood flow to the forearm and hand. Lastly, elbow damage extends beyond physical limitations— it can also affect a person's quality of life and mental health.

What is an Elbow Anatomy Diagram?

An Elbow Anatomy Diagram is a visual representation of the elbow's structure, highlighting the bones, joints, and ligaments that comprise this complex joint. The purpose of this diagram is to provide a clear and detailed overview of the elbow's anatomy, aiding in education, diagnosis, and treatment planning for healthcare professionals and medical students.

Our template's contents

Our template includes comprehensive views of the elbow's bones and ligaments from lateral, medial, posterior, and anterior perspectives, as well as detailed illustrations of the ligaments from lateral and medial views.

Our anatomy of the elbow template contains diagrams that include the following parts of the elbow:

Joints

The elbow joint consists of three main articulations that allow for a wide range of movement.

• Humeroradial joint: The articulation between the capitulum of the humerus and the head of the radius.
• Proximal radioulnar joint: The articulation between the head of the radius and the radial notch of the ulna.
• Humeroulnar joint: The articulation between the trochlea of the humerus and the trochlear notch of the ulna.

Ligaments

Ligament, along with the joint capsule, are crucial for stabilizing the elbow joint and ensuring proper movement.

• Medial collateral ligament: A ligament that stabilizes the medial side (the inner side, facing the chest) of the elbow. This group is composed of three parts:
  • Anterior part: Connects the medial epicondyle to the coronoid process.
  • Posterior part: Connects the medial epicondyle to the olecranon.
  • Transverse part: Connects the anterior and posterior parts of the medial collateral ligament.
• Annular ligament: Encircles the head of the radius and holds it in place within the radial notch of the ulna.
• Oblique cord: A small ligament that runs from the ulna to the radius just below the radial tuberosity.
• Lateral collateral ligament complex: A group of ligaments that stabilize the lateral side (the outer side) of the elbow. It comprises these two parts:
  • Radial collateral ligament: Connects the lateral epicondyle to the annular ligament and radial notch.
  • Lateral (ulnar) collateral ligament: Connects the lateral epicondyle to the ulna.

Bones

The elbow includes three major bones: the humerus, the radius, and the ulna.

Humerus

The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.

• Lateral supracondylar ridge: A bony ridge on the lateral side of the humerus.
• Medial supracondylar ridge: A bony ridge on the medial side of the humerus.
• Radial fossa: A shallow depression on the anterior humerus that accommodates the radial head during flexion.
• Coronoid fossa: A depression on the anterior humerus that receives the coronoid process of the ulna during flexion.
• Lateral epicondyle: A bony prominence on the lateral side of the humerus.
• Medial epicondyle: A bony prominence on the medial side of the humerus.
• Capitellum/capitulum: A rounded eminence on the distal humerus that articulates with the head of the radius.
• Trochlea: A spool-shaped part of the humerus that articulates with the ulna.
• Lateral border: The outer edge of the humerus.
• Olecranon fossa: A large depression on the posterior humerus that accommodates the olecranon of the ulna during extension.
• Ulnar groove: A groove on the posterior aspect of the medial epicondyle through which the ulnar nerve passes.

Radius

The radius is one of the two long bones in the forearm, located on the lateral side (thumb side).

• Head of radius: The proximal end that articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna.
• Neck of radius: The narrow part just below the head of the radius.
• Radial tuberosity: A bony prominence below the neck where the biceps tendon attaches.

Ulna

The ulna is the longer of the two bones in the forearm, located on the medial side (pinky side).

• Ulnar tuberosity: A roughened area below the coronoid process where the brachialis muscle attaches.
• Coronoid process: A triangular projection on the anterior ulna that fits into the coronoid fossa of the humerus.
• Olecranon: The prominent bony projection of the ulna at the elbow.
• Supinator crest: A ridge on the lateral surface of the ulna where the supinator muscle attaches.

Common treatments for elbow problems

Elbow problems can result from various conditions, including fractures, ligament tears, and overuse injuries. Treatment approaches depend on the specific issue and its severity. Here are some common treatments:

• Rest and ice: Resting the elbow and applying ice can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in acute injuries.
• Physical therapy: Exercises and manual therapy help restore mobility, strength, and function after an injury or surgery.
• Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen reduce pain and inflammation. For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections can provide stronger and faster relief.
• Bracing or splinting: Using braces or splints to immobilize the elbow can help in healing and provide support during recovery.
• Surgery: In severe cases, such as ligament tears or fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the damage. The type of operation depends on what the injury is.
• Activity modification: Changing activities or techniques to avoid further strain on the elbow is crucial in managing and preventing chronic conditions.

These treatments aim to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore normal function to the elbow joint.