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80-485: The name for the elbow in Latin is cubitus , and so the word cubital is used in some elbow-related terms, as in cubital nodes for example. The elbow joint has three different portions surrounded by a common joint capsule. These are joints between the three bones of the elbow, the humerus of the upper arm, and the radius and the ulna of the forearm. When in anatomical position there are four main bony landmarks of

160-411: A broad, articular surface, which is divided into two parts by a slight ridge. Projecting on either side are the lateral and medial epicondyles . The articular surface extends a little lower than the epicondyles, and is curved slightly forward; its medial extremity occupies a lower level than the lateral. The lateral portion of this surface consists of a smooth, rounded eminence, named the capitulum of

240-425: A distinct tingling sensation, and sometimes a significant amount of pain. It is sometimes popularly referred to as 'the funny bone', possibly due to this sensation (a "funny" feeling), as well as the fact that the bone's name is a homophone of 'humorous'. It lies posterior to the medial epicondyle, and is easily damaged in elbow injuries. The deltoid originates on the lateral third of the clavicle , acromion and

320-505: A fetus. At birth, the neonatal humerus is only ossified in the shaft. The epiphyses are cartilaginous at birth. The medial humeral head develops an ossification center around 4 months of age and the greater tuberosity around 10 months of age. These ossification centers begin to fuse at 3 years of age. The process of ossification is complete by 13 years of age, though the epiphyseal plate (growth plate) persists until skeletal maturity, usually around 17 years of age. Coronoid process of

400-504: A fracture of the elbow. Patients who are able to fully extend their arm at the elbow are unlikely to have a fracture (98% certainty) and an X-ray is not required as long as an olecranon fracture is ruled out. Acute fractures may not be easily visible on X-ray. Elbow dislocations constitute 10% to 25% of all injuries to the elbow. The elbow is one of the most commonly dislocated joints in the body, with an average annual incidence of acute dislocation of 6 per 100,000 persons. Among injuries to

480-440: A narrow, oblong, articular depression, the radial notch . Its medial surface , by its prominent, free margin, serves for the attachment of part of the ulnar collateral ligament . At the front part of this surface is a small rounded eminence for the origin of one head of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle ; behind the eminence is a depression for part of the origin of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle ; descending from

560-418: A sex-bias has not been consistently observed in scientific studies. The angle is greater in the dominant limb than the non-dominant limb of both sexes, suggesting that natural forces acting on the elbow modify the carrying angle. Developmental, aging and possibly racial influences add further to the variability of this parameter. The types of disease most commonly seen at the elbow are due to injury. Two of

640-450: A straight line occurs in the direction of the thumb, and is referred to as the "carrying angle". The carrying angle permits the arm to be swung without contacting the hips. Women on average have smaller shoulders and wider hips than men, which tends to produce a larger carrying angle (i.e., larger deviation from a straight line than that in men). There is, however, extensive overlap in the carrying angle between individual men and women, and

720-443: A transverse band with a free upper border. On the ulnar side, the capsule reaches down to the posterior part of the annular ligament . The posterior capsule is attached to the triceps tendon which prevents the capsule from being pinched during extension. The synovial membrane of the elbow joint is very extensive. On the humerus, it extends up from the articular margins and covers the coronoid and radial fossae anteriorly and

800-407: Is a rounded eminence forming the lateral part of the distal humerus. The head of the radius articulates with the capitulum. The trochlea is spool-shaped medial portion of the distal humerus and articulates with the ulna. The epicondyles are continuous above with the supracondylar ridges. The medial supracondylar crest forms the sharp medial border of the distal humerus continuing superiorly from

880-405: Is brought back by vessels from the radial , ulnar , and brachial veins . There are two sets of lymphatic nodes at the elbow, normally located above the medial epicondyle — the deep and superficial cubital nodes (also called epitrochlear nodes). The lymphatic drainage at the elbow is through the deep nodes at the bifurcation of the brachial artery, the superficial nodes drain the forearm and

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960-509: Is commonly present between the head of the radius and the capitulum of the humerus. On the humerus there are extrasynovial fat pads adjacent to the three articular fossae. These pads fill the radial and coronoid fossa anteriorly during extension, and the olecranon fossa posteriorly during flexion. They are displaced when the fossae are occupied by the bony projections of the ulna and radius. The elbow, like other joints, has ligaments on either side. These are triangular bands which blend with

1040-404: Is limited to 145° by the contact between the anterior muscles of the upper arm and forearm, more so because they are hardened by contraction during flexion. Passive flexion (forearm is pushed against the upper arm with flexors relaxed) is limited to 160° by the bony projections on the radius and ulna as they reach to shallow depressions on the humerus; i.e. the head of radius being pressed against

1120-444: Is located posteroinferior to the deltoid tuberosity. The inferior boundary of the spiral groove is continuous distally with the lateral border of the shaft. The nutrient foramen of the humerus is located in the anteromedial surface of the humerus. The nutrient arteries enter the humerus through this foramen. The distal or lower extremity of the humerus is flattened from before backward, and curved slightly forward; it ends below in

1200-413: Is performed by triceps brachii with a negligible assistance from anconeus . Triceps originates with two heads posteriorly on the humerus and with its long head on the scapula just below the shoulder joint. It is inserted posteriorly on the olecranon. Triceps is maximally efficient with the elbow flexed 20–30°. As the angle of flexion increases, the position of the olecranon approaches the main axis of

1280-426: Is placed laterally. The greater tubercle is where supraspinatus , infraspinatus and teres minor muscles are attached. The crest of the greater tubercle forms the lateral lip of the bicipital groove and is the site for insertion of pectoralis major . The greater tubercle is just lateral to the anatomical neck. Its upper surface is rounded and marked by three flat impressions: the highest of these gives insertion to

1360-438: Is rest. If achieving rest is an issue, a wrist brace can also be worn. This keeps the wrist in flexion, thereby relieving the extensor muscles and allowing rest. Ice, heat, ultrasound, steroid injections, and compression can also help alleviate pain. After the pain has been reduced, exercise therapy is important to prevent injury in the future. Exercises should be low velocity, and weight should increase progressively. Stretching

1440-403: Is slightly constricted and is termed the anatomical neck, in contradistinction to a constriction below the tubercles called the surgical neck which is frequently the seat of fracture. Fracture of the anatomical neck rarely occurs. The diameter of the humeral head is generally larger in men than in women. The anatomical neck ( collum anatomicum ) is obliquely directed, forming an obtuse angle with

1520-410: Is usually seen in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or after fractures that involve the joint itself. When the damage to the joint is severe, fascial arthroplasty or elbow joint replacement may be considered. Olecranon bursitis, tenderness, warmth, swelling, pain in both flexion and extension-in chronic case great flexion-is extremely painful. Elbow pain occurs when the tenderness of the tissues in

1600-429: The coronoid process , while the posterior band stretches from posterior side of the medial epicondyle to the medial side of the olecranon . These two bands are separated by a thinner intermediate part and their distal attachments are united by a transverse band below which the synovial membrane protrudes during joint movements. The anterior band is closely associated with the tendon of the superficial flexor muscles of

1680-554: The elbow . It connects the scapula and the two bones of the lower arm, the radius and ulna , and consists of three sections. The humeral upper extremity consists of a rounded head, a narrow neck, and two short processes ( tubercles , sometimes called tuberosities). The body is cylindrical in its upper portion, and more prismatic below. The lower extremity consists of 2 epicondyles , 2 processes ( trochlea and capitulum ), and 3 fossae ( radial fossa , coronoid fossa , and olecranon fossa ). As well as its true anatomical neck,

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1760-401: The entepicondylar foramen to allow the passage of nerves and blood vessels. During embryonic development, the humerus is one of the first structures to ossify, beginning with the first ossification center in the shaft of the bone. Ossification of the humerus occurs predictably in the embryo and fetus, and is therefore used as a fetal biometric measurement when determining gestational age of

1840-472: The intertubercular groove of the humerus. They work to adduct and medially, or internally, rotate the humerus. The infraspinatus and teres minor insert on the greater tubercle, and work to laterally, or externally, rotate the humerus. In contrast, the subscapularis muscle inserts onto the lesser tubercle and works to medially, or internally, rotate the humerus. The biceps brachii , brachialis , and brachioradialis (which attaches distally) act to flex

1920-454: The joint capsule with the elbow joint but plays no functional role at the elbow. The elbow joint and the superior radioulnar joint are enclosed by a single fibrous capsule. The capsule is strengthened by ligaments at the sides but is relatively weak in front and behind. On the anterior side, the capsule consists mainly of longitudinal fibres. However, some bundles among these fibers run obliquely or transversely, thickening and strengthening

2000-424: The medial epicondyle of the elbow. It can cause pain, stiffness, loss of sensation, and weakness radiating from the inside of the elbow to the fingers. Rest is the primary intervention for this injury. Ice, pain medication, steroid injections, strengthening exercises, and avoiding any aggravating activities can also help. Surgery is a last resort, and rarely used. Exercises should focus on strengthening and stretching

2080-537: The olecranon fossa posteriorly. Distally, it is prolonged down to the neck of the radius and the superior radioulnar joint. It is supported by the quadrate ligament below the annular ligament where it also forms a fold which gives the head of the radius freedom of movement. Several synovial folds project into the recesses of the joint. These folds or plicae are remnants of normal embryonic development and can be categorized as either anterior (anterior humeral recess) or posterior (olecranon recess). A crescent-shaped fold

2160-452: The radial fossa and the coronoid process being pressed against the coronoid fossa . Passive flexion is further limited by tension in the posterior capsular ligament and in triceps brachii. A small accessory muscle, so called epitrochleoanconeus muscle, may be found on the medial aspect of the elbow running from the medial epicondyle to the olecranon. Elbow extension is simply bringing the forearm back to anatomical position. This action

2240-543: The radial notch of the ulna. There are three main flexor muscles at the elbow: Brachialis is the main muscle used when the elbow is flexed slowly. During rapid and forceful flexion all three muscles are brought into action assisted by the superficial forearm flexors originating at the medial side of the elbow. The efficiency of the flexor muscles increases dramatically as the elbow is brought into midflexion (flexed 90°) — biceps reaches its angle of maximum efficiency at 80–90° and brachialis at 100–110°. Active flexion

2320-400: The supraspinatus muscle ; the middle to the infraspinatus muscle ; the lowest one, and the body of the bone for about 2.5 cm. below it, to the teres minor muscle . The lateral surface of the greater tubercle is convex, rough, and continuous with the lateral surface of the body. The lesser tubercle ( tuberculum minus ; lesser tuberosity) is smaller, anterolaterally placed to the head of

2400-519: The Germanic origins of both words, Elle (ell, defined as the length of a male forearm from elbow to fingertips) and Ellbogen (elbow). It is unknown when or why the second "l" was dropped from English usage of the word. The ell as in the English measure could also be taken to come from the letter L, being bent at right angles, as an elbow. The ell as a measure was taken as six handbreadths; three to

2480-401: The actions of lifting/pulling and pressing/pushing. Primitive fossils of amphibians had little, if any, shaft connecting the upper and lower extremities, making their limbs very short. In most living tetrapods , however, the humerus has a similar form to that of humans. In many reptiles and some mammals (where it is the primitive state), the lower extremity includes a large opening called

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2560-415: The anterior border of the head of the radius, when the forearm is flexed. These fossæ are separated from one another by a thin, transparent lamina of bone, which is sometimes perforated by a supratrochlear foramen ; they are lined in the fresh state by the synovial membrane of the elbow-joint , and their margins afford attachment to the anterior and posterior ligaments of this articulation. The capitulum

2640-471: The anterior ligament, and resistance in flexor muscles. Forced extension results in a rupture in one of the limiting structures: olecranon fracture, torn capsule and ligaments, and, though the muscles are normally left unaffected, a bruised brachial artery . The arteries supplying the joint are derived from an extensive circulatory anastomosis between the brachial artery and its terminal branches. The superior and inferior ulnar collateral branches of

2720-449: The body. It is best marked in the lower half of its circumference; in the upper half it is represented by a narrow groove separating the head from the tubercles. The line separating the head from the rest of the upper end is called the anatomical neck. It affords attachment to the articular capsule of the shoulder-joint, and is perforated by numerous vascular foramens . Fracture of the anatomical neck rarely occurs. The anatomical neck of

2800-407: The brachial artery and the radial and middle collateral branches of the profunda brachii artery descend from above to reconnect on the joint capsule, where they also connect with the anterior and posterior ulnar recurrent branches of the ulnar artery ; the radial recurrent branch of the radial artery ; and the interosseous recurrent branch of the common interosseous artery . The blood

2880-430: The capsule. These bundles are referred to as the capsular ligament . Deep fibres of the brachialis muscle insert anteriorly into the capsule and act to pull it and the underlying membrane during flexion in order to prevent them from being pinched. On the posterior side, the capsule is thin and mainly composed of transverse fibres. A few of these fibres stretch across the olecranon fossa without attaching to it and form

2960-429: The constriction below the greater and lesser tubercles of the humerus is referred to as its surgical neck due to its tendency to fracture, thus often becoming the focus of surgeons. The word "humerus" is derived from Late Latin humerus , from Latin umerus , meaning upper arm, shoulder, and is linguistically related to Gothic ams (shoulder) and Greek ōmos . The upper or proximal extremity of

3040-421: The crest of the spine of the scapula. It is inserted on the deltoid tuberosity of the humerus and has several actions including abduction, extension, and circumduction of the shoulder. The supraspinatus also originates on the spine of the scapula. It inserts on the greater tubercle of the humerus, and assists in abduction of the shoulder. The pectoralis major , teres major , and latissimus dorsi insert at

3120-447: The elbow and three from the elbow to the shoulder. Another measure was the cubit (from cubital ). This was taken to be the length of a man's arm from the elbow to the end of the middle finger. The words wenis and wagina are humorously used to describe the posterior and anterior regions of the elbow, respectively. The terms entered the slang lexicon in the 1990s and proliferated as an Internet meme. Specifically, wenis refers to

3200-444: The elbow are grouped at the sides of the joint in order not to interfere with its movement. The wide angle of flexion at the elbow made possible by this arrangement — almost 180° — allows the bones to be brought almost in parallel to each other. When the arm is extended , with the palm facing forward or up, the bones of the upper arm ( humerus ) and forearm ( radius and ulna ) are not perfectly aligned. The deviation from

3280-434: The elbow become inflamed. Frequent exercise of the inflamed elbow will assist with healing. Elbow pain can occur for a multitude of reasons, including injury, disease, and other conditions. Common conditions include tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, distal radioulnar joint rheumatoid arthritis, and cubital tunnel syndrome. Tennis elbow is a very common type of overuse injury. It can occur both from chronic repetitive motions of

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3360-419: The elbow joint is to extend and flex the arm. The range of movement in the elbow is from 0 degrees of elbow extension to 150 degrees of elbow flexion . Muscles contributing to function are all flexion ( biceps brachii , brachialis , and brachioradialis ) and extension muscles ( triceps and anconeus ). In humans, the main task of the elbow is to properly place the hand in space by shortening and lengthening

3440-488: The elbow joint. The structure to resist these forces is a pronounced keel on the trochlear notch on the ulna, which is more flattened in, for example, humans and gorillas. In knuckle-walkers , on the other hand, the elbow has to deal with large vertical loads passing through extended forearms and the joint is therefore more expanded to provide larger articular surfaces perpendicular to those forces. Derived traits in catarrhini (apes and Old World monkeys), elbows include

3520-433: The elbow. (The biceps do not attach to the humerus.) The triceps brachii and anconeus extend the elbow, and attach to the posterior side of the humerus. The four muscles of supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis form a musculo-ligamentous girdle called the rotator cuff . This cuff stabilizes the very mobile but inherently unstable glenohumeral joint . The other muscles are used as counterbalances for

3600-488: The elbow. At the lower part of the humerus are the medial and lateral epicondyles , on the side closest to the body (medial) and on the side away from the body (lateral) surfaces. The third landmark is the olecranon found at the head of the ulna. These lie on a horizontal line called the Hueter line . When the elbow is flexed , they form a triangle called the Hueter triangle , which resembles an equilateral triangle . At

3680-441: The eminence is a ridge which gives origin to one head of the pronator teres muscle . Frequently, the flexor pollicis longus muscle arises from the lower part of the coronoid process by a rounded bundle of muscular fibers. The coronoid process stabilises the elbow joint and prevents hyperflexion . The coronoid process can be fractured from its anteromedial facet. [REDACTED] This article incorporates text in

3760-415: The extremity. The grooved portion of the articular surface fits accurately within the semilunar notch of the ulna; it is broader and deeper on the posterior than on the anterior aspect of the bone, and is inclined obliquely downward and forward toward the medial side. At the shoulder, the head of the humerus articulates with the glenoid fossa of the scapula . More distally, at the elbow, the capitulum of

3840-400: The flexors and extensors is helpful, as are strengthening exercises. Massage can also be useful, focusing on the extensor trigger points . Golfer's elbow is very similar to tennis elbow, but less common. It is caused by overuse and repetitive motions like a golf swing. It can also be caused by trauma. Wrist flexion and pronation (rotating of the forearm) causes irritation to the tendons near

3920-582: The forearm, and utilizing proper form when performing movements. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that affects joints. It is very common in the wrist, and is most common at the radioulnar joint . It results in pain, stiffness, and deformities. There are many different treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, and there is no one consensus for which methods are best. Most common treatments include wrist splints, surgery, physical and occupational therapy, and antirheumatic medication . Cubital tunnel syndrome, more commonly known as ulnar neuropathy , occurs when

4000-403: The forearm, even being the origin of flexor digitorum superficialis . The ulnar nerve crosses the intermediate part as it enters the forearm. The radial collateral ligament is attached to the lateral epicondyle below the common extensor tendon . Less distinct than the ulnar collateral ligament, this ligament blends with the annular ligament of the radius and its margins are attached near

4080-427: The hand and forearm, and from trauma to the same areas. These repetitions can injure the tendons that connect the extensor supinator muscles (which rotate and extend the forearm) to the olecranon process (also known as "the elbow"). Pain occurs, often radiating from the lateral forearm. Weakness, numbness, and stiffness are also very common, along with tenderness upon touch. A non-invasive treatment for pain management

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4160-439: The humerus consists of the bone's large rounded head joined to the body by a constricted portion called the neck, and two eminences, the greater and lesser tubercles. The head ( caput humeri ), is nearly hemispherical in form. It is directed upward, medialward, and a little backward, and articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint) . The circumference of its articular surface

4240-412: The humerus ; it articulates with the cup-shaped depression on the head of the radius, and is limited to the front and lower part of the bone. Above the front part of the trochlea is a small depression, the coronoid fossa , which receives the coronoid process of the ulna during flexion of the forearm. Above the back part of the trochlea is a deep triangular depression, the olecranon fossa , in which

4320-404: The humerus articulates with the head of the radius , and the trochlea of the humerus articulates with the trochlear notch of the ulna . The axillary nerve is located at the proximal end, against the shoulder girdle. Dislocation of the humerus's glenohumeral joint has the potential to injure the axillary nerve or the axillary artery . Signs and symptoms of this dislocation include a loss of

4400-402: The humerus is an indentation distal to the head of the humerus on which the articular capsule attaches. The surgical neck is a narrow area distal to the tubercles that is a common site of fracture. It makes contact with the axillary nerve and the posterior humeral circumflex artery . The greater tubercle ( tuberculum majus ; greater tuberosity) is a large, posteriorly placed projection that

4480-399: The humerus which decreases muscle efficiency. In full flexion, however, the triceps tendon is "rolled up" on the olecranon as on a pulley which compensates for the loss of efficiency. Because triceps' long head is biarticular (acts on two joints), its efficiency is also dependent on the position of the shoulder. Extension is limited by the olecranon reaching the olecranon fossa , tension in

4560-476: The humerus. The lesser tubercle provides insertion to subscapularis muscle. Both these tubercles are found in the proximal part of the shaft. The crest of the lesser tubercle forms the medial lip of the bicipital groove and is the site for insertion of teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles. The lesser tuberosity, is more prominent than the greater: it is situated in front, and is directed medialward and forward. Above and in front it presents an impression for

4640-413: The insertion of the tendon of the subscapularis muscle . The tubercles are separated from each other by a deep groove, the bicipital groove (intertubercular groove; bicipital sulcus), which lodges the long tendon of the biceps brachii muscle and transmits a branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery to the shoulder-joint. It runs obliquely downward, and ends near the junction of the upper with

4720-427: The internal epicondyle and olecranon fusing last. The ages of fusion are more variable than ossification, but normally occur at 13, 15, 17, 13, 16 and 13 years, respectively. In addition, the presence of a joint effusion can be inferenced by the presence of the fat pad sign , a structure that is normally physiologically present, but pathologic when elevated by fluid, and always pathologic when posterior. The function of

4800-402: The joint capsule. They are positioned so that they always lie across the transverse joint axis and are, therefore, always relatively tense and impose strict limitations on abduction, adduction, and axial rotation at the elbow. The ulnar collateral ligament has its apex on the medial epicondyle . Its anterior band stretches from the anterior side of the medial epicondyle to the medial edge of

4880-447: The loose flap of skin under the elbow (olecranal skin), while wagina refers to the skin crease of the cubital fossa . Though the elbow is similarly adapted for stability through a wide range of pronation-supination and flexion-extension in all apes , there are some minor differences. In arboreal apes such as orangutans , the large forearm muscles originating on the epicondyles of the humerus generate significant transverse forces on

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4960-480: The loss of the entepicondylar foramen (a hole in the distal humerus), a non-translatory (rotation-only) humeroulnar joint, and a more robust ulna with a shortened trochlear notch. The proximal radioulnar joint is similarly derived in higher primates in the location and shape of the radial notch on the ulna; the primitive form being represented by New World monkeys , such as the howler monkey , and by fossil catarrhines, such as Aegyptopithecus . In these taxa,

5040-430: The lower part of the semilunar notch . Its antero-inferior surface is concave, and marked by a rough impression for the insertion of the brachialis muscle . At the junction of this surface with the front of the body is a rough eminence, the tuberosity of the ulna , which gives insertion to a part of the brachialis; to the lateral border of this tuberosity the oblique cord is attached. Its lateral surface presents

5120-413: The medial epicondyle. The lateral supracondylar crest forms the sharp lateral border of the distal humerus continuing superiorly from the lateral epicondyle. The medial portion of the articular surface is named the trochlea , and presents a deep depression between two well-marked borders; it is convex from before backward, concave from side to side, and occupies the anterior, lower, and posterior parts of

5200-461: The middle third of the bone. In the fresh state its upper part is covered with a thin layer of cartilage, lined by a prolongation of the synovial membrane of the shoulder-joint; its lower portion gives insertion to the tendon of the latissimus dorsi muscle . It is deep and narrow above, and becomes shallow and a little broader as it descends. Its lips are called, respectively, the crests of the greater and lesser tubercles ( bicipital ridges ), and form

5280-461: The most common injuries at the elbow are overuse injuries: tennis elbow and golfer's elbow . Golfer's elbow involves the tendon of the common flexor origin which originates at the medial epicondyle of the humerus (the "inside" of the elbow). Tennis elbow is the equivalent injury, but at the common extensor origin (the lateral epicondyle of the humerus ). There are three bones at the elbow joint, and any combination of these bones may be involved in

5360-409: The nerve or the surrounding tissue is moved to relieve the pressure. Recovery from surgery can take awhile, but the prognosis is often a good one. Recovery often includes movement restrictions, and range of motion activities, and can last a few months (cubital and radial tunnel syndrome, 2). The now obsolete length unit ell relates closely to the elbow. This becomes especially visible when considering

5440-434: The normal shoulder contour and a palpable depression under the acromion. The radial nerve follows the humerus closely. At the midshaft of the humerus, the radial nerve travels from the posterior to the anterior aspect of the bone in the spiral groove . A fracture of the humerus in this region can result in radial nerve injury. The ulnar nerve lies at the distal end of the humerus near the elbow. When struck, it can cause

5520-517: The order of both the appearance and fusion of the apophyseal growth centers being crucial in assessment of the pediatric elbow on radiograph, in order to distinguish a traumatic fracture or apophyseal separation from normal development. The order of appearance can be understood by the mnemonic CRITOE, referring to the capitellum , radial head , internal epicondyle, trochlea , olecranon, and external epicondyle at ages 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 years. These apophyseal centers then fuse during adolescence, with

5600-401: The oval head of the radius lies in front of the ulnar shaft so that the former overlaps the latter by half its width. With this forearm configuration, the ulna supports the radius and maximum stability is achieved when the forearm is fully pronated. Humerus The humerus ( / ˈ h juː m ər ə s / ; pl. : humeri ) is a long bone in the arm that runs from the shoulder to

5680-403: The shaft has a crest, beginning just below the surgical neck of the humerus and extends till the superior tip of the deltoid tuberosity. This is where the lateral head of triceps brachii is attached. The radial sulcus, also known as the spiral groove is found on the posterior surface of the shaft and is a shallow oblique groove through which the radial nerve passes along with deep vessels. This

5760-405: The summit of the olecranon is received in extension of the forearm. The coronoid fossa is the medial hollow part on the anterior surface of the distal humerus. The coronoid fossa is smaller than the olecranon fossa and receives the coronoid process of the ulna during maximum flexion of the elbow. Above the front part of the capitulum is a slight depression, the radial fossa , which receives

5840-417: The surface of the humerus where it faces the joint is the trochlea . In most people, the groove running across the trochlea is vertical on the anterior side but it spirals off on the posterior side. This results in the forearm being aligned to the upper arm during flexion, but forming an angle to the upper arm during extension — an angle known as the carrying angle. The superior radioulnar joint shares

5920-412: The ulna The coronoid process of the ulna is a triangular process projecting forward from the anterior proximal portion of the ulna . Its base is continuous with the body of the bone, and of considerable strength. Its apex is pointed, slightly curved upward, and in flexion of the forearm is received into the coronoid fossa of the humerus . Its upper surface is smooth, convex, and forms

6000-491: The ulnar nerve is irritated and becomes inflamed. This can often happen where the ulnar nerve is most superficial, at the elbow. The ulnar nerve passes over the elbow, at the area known as the "funny bone". Irritation can occur due to constant, repeated stress and pressure at this area, or from a trauma. It can also occur due to bone deformities, and oftentimes from sports. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and weakness, along with pain. First line pain management techniques include

6080-427: The ulnar side of the hand. The efferent lymph vessels from the elbow proceed to the lateral group of axillary lymph nodes . The elbow is innervated anteriorly by branches from the musculocutaneous , median , and radial nerve , and posteriorly from the ulnar nerve and the branch of the radial nerve to anconeus . The elbow undergoes dynamic development of ossification centers through infancy and adolescence, with

6160-436: The upper extremity, dislocation of the elbow is second only to a dislocated shoulder . A full dislocation of the elbow will require expert medical attention to re-align, and recovery can take approximately 6 weeks. Infection of the elbow joint ( septic arthritis ) is uncommon. It may occur spontaneously, but may also occur in relation to surgery or infection elsewhere in the body (for example, endocarditis ). Elbow arthritis

6240-408: The upper limb. While the superior radioulnar joint shares joint capsule with the elbow joint, it plays no functional role at the elbow. With the elbow extended, the long axis of the humerus and that of the ulna coincide. At the same time, the articular surfaces on both bones are located in front of those axes and deviate from them at an angle of 45°. Additionally, the forearm muscles that originate at

6320-434: The upper parts of the anterior and medial borders of the body of the bone. The body or shaft of the humerus is triangular to cylindrical in cut section and is compressed anteroposteriorly. It has 3 surfaces, namely: Its three borders are: The deltoid tuberosity is a roughened surface on the lateral surface of the shaft of the humerus and acts as the site of insertion of deltoideus muscle. The posterorsuperior part of

6400-465: The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory oral medicines . These help to reduce inflammation, pressure, and irritation of the nerve and around the nerve. Other simple fixes include learning more ergonomically friendly habits that can help prevent nerve impingement and irritation in the future. Protective equipment can also be very helpful. Examples of this include a protective elbow pad, and an arm splint. More serious cases often involve surgery, in which

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