Dorothy FarrarElbow (elbow joint)
The elbow joint only causes complaints in the rarest of cases. While other joints in the human body are always in pain, the elbow joint is relatively calm. Nevertheless, diseases of the elbow can occur; “Tennis elbow” is one of the most well-known complaints that can occur in the elbow.
Definition
The elbow or the elbow joint is a relatively complex, but quite stable and not injury-prone joint, which is composed of a total of three sub-joints. Three long bones are involved in the structure of the joint itself.
These include the humerus (the upper arm bone), the radius (the radius) and the ulna (ulna). The joint is located between the ulna and the upper arm and has a classic hinge joint function. Wheel movement is possible due to the combination of the other partial joints.
Anatomy
The anatomy of the joint can be easily palpated due to the relatively thin soft-tissue mantle. The two humeral knobs can be felt at about the end of the humeral head ; the forearm muscles are also attached to them. There is also a joint roller between the knobs, with which the joint socket can communicate with the ulna. This process allows for a hinge movement that occurs between the forearm and upper arm.
The elbow itself is a kind of musician’s bone: the term comes from the fact that even hitting the bone causes intense pain because the nerves (or the ulnar nerve) run on the surface. If the elbow is twisted in such a way that the palm is turned outwards, the radius and ulna, the two forearm bones, lie parallel to each other.
The ulna forms a joint surface with the humerus; the spoke, on the other hand, has a radial head on the side. This is rounded and has a humerus head at the upper end. The three partial joints are surrounded by the joint capsule. The ligaments of the elbow joint are relatively simple. There are internal and external collateral ligaments in the elbow joint; the ring band loops back from the neck of the ulna around the so-called radial head, so that a turning movement is possible.
The nerves and blood vessels run directly in the joint bend. Those are protected by the biceps tendon . Doctors also like to take a blood sample at this point, as there is a relatively good view of the subcutaneous veins . Patients also prefer this site for taking blood, as the puncture is hardly noticeable. Peripheral venous catheters are also placed at those locations.
Function
The elbow joint is held in shape by the ligaments and the bone structures and therefore also enables various movement sequences. Due to the ossification and the ligaments , the joint is relatively stable. The joint between the ulna and the upper arm is a hinge joint, which allows extension and flexion.
The complex structure and the subdivision into three partial joints ensure that the elbow joint has relatively secure protection. Injuries or illnesses are very rare. The sole task of the elbow joint is to ensure the flexion and extension function. Another task cannot be performed by the elbow joint.
Diseases
The elbow is not very susceptible to any injuries or diseases, but there are injuries in childhood that can scare the parents. We’re talking about the nanny contortion. The child’s radial head is still relatively unsecured in the annular ligament and can therefore be pulled out without too much effort.
The classic course of an accident, which triggers a corresponding injury, is the falling child holding the hand of the adult, who reflexively wants to pull the child up to prevent the fall. As a result of this movement, the radial head slides out of the annular ligament, but can no longer slide back.
The child can no longer move the elbow; the pain and the crying are great. It needs medical help here, and experienced doctors only need a targeted turn to repair the damage. Ultimately, it is just a dislocation and not a fracture, so no further action is required.
Fractures or more serious injuries are usually very rare; even falls on the elbows in most cases only cause a bruise or sprain of the joint.
Even if the joint is relatively robust, it can – in the context of tennis elbow – cause problems. This is an inflammation of the tendons or an overload of the joint. This disease occurs as part of a repetitive movement of the elbow joint, such as occurs in tennis. Sometimes tennis elbow can also occur as a result of one-sided computer work.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.