Understanding
Your Elbow

A Guide To It’s Key Parts

The Elbow

The elbow joint is a crucial hinge in your body that allows for smooth bending and straightening of your arm. It plays a key role in daily activities, from lifting and carrying to throwing and pushing. Despite its strength and flexibility, the elbow can be vulnerable to injuries like sprains or fractures, which can impact your ability to perform even simple tasks and lead to discomfort or pain.

How the Elbow Works

The elbow joint consists of three major bones:

  • Humerus: The upper arm bone.
  • Ulna: The larger bone of the forearm, located on the inner side of the elbow.
  • Radius: The smaller bone of the forearm, positioned on the outer side of the elbow.

These bones come together to form a stable hinge that allows for flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) of the arm.

Muscles

Muscles in the forearm work together to enable movement:

  • Flexors: These muscles originate from the medial epicondyle (inner elbow) and help bend the elbow.
  • Extensors: Originating from the lateral epicondyle (outer elbow), these muscles extend the arm.

Ligaments and Tendons

The stability of the elbow joint is supported by several important ligaments:

  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Located on the inner side, this ligament prevents the elbow from bending outward.
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): Situated on the outer side, it prevents inward bending.
  • Annular Ligament: Encircles the radial head, keeping the radius securely in place against the ulna.

Tendons also play a vital role:

  • Biceps Tendon: Found in the front of the elbow, it helps in flexing the arm.
  • Triceps Tendon: Located behind the elbow, it aids in straightening the arm.

Nerves

Three main nerves cross the elbow, and any injury or compression can lead to symptoms like weakness and numbness:

  • Radial Nerve
  • Ulnar Nerve
  • Median Nerve

Blood Vessels

The brachial artery, located at the front of the elbow, provides blood supply to the area through two branches: the radial and ulnar arteries.

A Case Example: Understanding Elbow Injuries

Meet Sarah
Sarah is a 35-year-old tennis player who recently experienced pain and swelling in her elbow after a tournament. After seeing her doctor, she learned she had developed “tennis elbow,” a condition caused by repetitive strain on the elbow muscles and tendons.

What Happened?
The repetitive motions of serving and hitting backhands irritated the extensor tendons attached to her elbow, leading to inflammation. She experienced pain on the outer side of her elbow, especially when gripping her racket.

Treatment Options
Sarah’s treatment plan included:

  • Rest and Ice: To reduce swelling.
  • Physical Therapy: To strengthen the muscles around her elbow.
  • Activity Modification: To adjust her tennis technique and avoid further strain.

With diligent rehabilitation, Sarah returned to the court pain-free within a few months.

Conclusion

Understanding the anatomy of the elbow joint helps highlight the importance of protecting it during activities. Whether you’re an athlete like Sarah or simply engage in daily tasks, maintaining the health of your elbow is essential for your overall well-being. If you experience persistent pain or weakness in your elbow, consult a healthcare professional for an assessment and tailored treatment plan.

ELBOW INJURIES

Click on each title to learn more:

Elbow Dislocation

Elbow dislocation occurs when the bones of the elbow joint are forced apart, making it impossible for the joint surfaces to connect properly. 

Distal Biceps Rupture

A distal biceps rupture is a tear of the biceps tendon near the elbow. While this injury is less common than ruptures at the upper part of the biceps.

Tennis Elbow

Also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, this condition isn’t limited to tennis players.

Golfer's Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a common condition causing pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow.

Olecranon Bursitis

A condition where a small fluid-filled sac called the olecranon bursa, located at the tip of your elbow, becomes swollen and inflamed.

Osteoarthritis of the Elbow

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects joints due to natural wear and tear, aging, or past injuries. 

Ulnar Collateral Ligament

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is a key structure on the inner side of your elbow that helps stabilize the joint, especially during activities requiring repetitive arm movements.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The ulnar nerve runs from your neck, through the inner side of your elbow, and into your hand. At the elbow, it passes through a small space known as the cubital tunnel. 

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Occurs when the radial nerve, which runs along the forearm & elbow, becomes compressed or irritated. This can happen in a tunnel formed by muscles near the elbow.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow is a condition where part of the cartilage and underlying bone in the joint loses its blood supply. This leads to joint pain, instability, and possibly long-term damage