Elbow Anatomy

An overview of the anatomy of the elbow:

The elbow is a unique joint that allows for the rotation and movement of the forearm, hand, and fingers. This joint is a type of hinge joint, which like a door, has a distinctive range of motion and a limit to how far it can be extended along a single plane of the body. The nature of the elbow anatomy allows the arm to perform a large variety of motions while maintaining strength and flexibility. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, an orthopedic elbow specialist, treats patients in, Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL who need an experienced doctor to diagnose and treat an elbow condition.

What makes up the elbow joint?

The elbow anatomy is composed of several important structures that allow it to function properly. These structures include:

Bones of the Elbow:

• Humerus: The humerus is the bone that makes up the upper section of the arm and is the largest in the arm.
• Radius: The radius is one of two bones that make up the forearm. The radius can be found on the same side of the arm as the thumb and is connected to the other bones of the arm.
• Ulna: The ulna is the second bone in the elbow anatomy that helps make up the forearm. This bone can be found on the same side of the arm as the little, or pinky finger.

Articular cartilage can be found on the ends of each of these bones. This cartilage is important because it provides a smooth, frictionless surface for the bones to glide against during movement.

Ligaments in the Elbow:

The bones of the elbow are held in place by several important ligaments in the elbow anatomy including:

• Radial Collateral ligament (RCL): This ligament is responsible for holding the humerus and radius together. It can be found on the outside of the elbow away from the trunk of the body and helps to stabilize the elbow joint during motion.
• Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL): The UCL is similar in function to the RCL, however, it connects the humerus and the ulna together. This ligament is found on the inside of the elbow, closest to the trunk of the body.
• Annular Ligament: This ligament is responsible for connecting and stabilizing the ulna and radius of the forearm during movement.

Muscles, Tendons, and Nerves of the Elbow:

Tendons and muscles are an important component of the elbow anatomy that provides strength and gives the elbow the ability to perform many tasks and functions.

• Flexor and Extensor muscles: There are several of these types of muscles spanning both sides of the forearm. Each of these muscles is important to allow for movement of the hand, wrist, and fingers.
• Triceps and Biceps tendons: These tendons are responsible for attaching the muscles in the upper arm to the ulna and radius. This attachment allows for the forearm to be moved in many directions and lift heavy objects.
• Radian, Ulnar, and Median Nerves: These are the three nerves that run through the elbow. Each nerve is responsible for conducting nerve impulses that result in the sensation and function of the arm, wrist, hand, and fingers.

What Elbow Conditions do Dr. Lamplot Treat?

Dr. Lamplot has extensive experience in successfully treating many different elbow conditions, most notably:

• Arthritis
• Distal Biceps Tendon Tear (Common with golfers and weightlifters)
• Triceps Tendon Tear
• Golfer’s Elbow
• Tennis Elbow
• UCL Injury (Tommy John)