HWN Suggests

Give praise to the elbow: A bending, twisting marvel

Let's face it: the human experience would be quite different without elbows.

Imagine your arm without a joint that bends at the elbow. You'd be unable to easily feed yourself, put on makeup, shave your face, or brush your teeth. It'd be tough to get dressed or throw a ball without elbows. And, importantly, wiping yourself after using the bathroom would be nearly impossible.

Yet, when it comes to joints and joint disease, we hear little about elbows; hips and knees get most of the attention. So, let's consider for a moment what the lowly elbow does and why it deserves more credit.

read full article

Articles of Interest

Normal Anatomy of the Elbow

The elbow joint is actually three separate joints surrounded by a watertight sac called a joint capsule. This capsule surrounds the elbow joint and contains lubricating fluid called synovial fluid.

Quick fixes for aching elbows

The elbow is a funny joint. It is home to your funny bone — your ulnar nerve — which hurts if it's hit a certain way. And the elbow is often overlooked as an important joint to help us maintain our independence. Many adults may not think much about the elbow, because it's not a weight-bearing joint and because it doesn't often develop arthritis or require joint replacement. But elbow pain can keep you from getting dressed, cooking dinner, and anything else that requires the use of your arm. Taking care of this joint helps ensure that you can care for yourself.

The Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Elbow

A mobile and stable elbow joint is important for daily work and recreational and sporting activities. Acting as the fulcrum of the forearm lever, the elbow has an important role in positioning the hand for its various functions.

The Elbow Complex

The joints and muscles of the elbow complex are designed to serve the hand. They provide mobility for the hand in space by shortening and lengthening the upper extremity. This allows the hand to be brought close to the face for eating and grooming or to be placed at a distance from the body equal to the length of the entire upper extremity.

Resources

KenHub

The elbow joint is classified structurally as a synovial joint. It is also classified structurally as a compound joint, as there are two articulations in the joint. Synovial joints, also called diarthroses, are free movable joints. The articular surfaces of the bones at these joints are separated from each other by a layer of hyaline cartilage.

Physiopedia

Elbow complex is designed to serve hand.

Radiopaedia

The elbow is a complex synovial joint formed by the articulations of the humerus, the radius, and the ulna.

TeachMe Anatomy

The elbow is the joint connecting the upper arm to the forearm. It is classed as a hinge-type synovial joint.