Elbow anatomy and structural biomechanics

Clin Sports Med. 2004 Oct;23(4):503-17, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2004.06.008.

Abstract

The elbow is a trochoginglymus joint with three articulations (the ulnohumeral, radiocapitellar, and proximal radioulnar joints) and two degrees of freedom (flexion/extension and pronation/supination). The congruity of the articulations as well as the medial and lateral collateral ligament complexes account for a majority of the stability of the joint. Muscles play a dynamic role in stabilizing the elbow. Understanding the anatomy and biomechanics of the elbow is essential to diagnosing and treating problems that develop in a patient's elbow.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Elbow / anatomy & histology*
  • Elbow / physiology*
  • Elbow Joint / anatomy & histology
  • Elbow Joint / physiology
  • Humans
  • Ligaments, Articular / anatomy & histology
  • Ligaments, Articular / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology