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There is only two way movement available at the elbow joint, flexion and extension. Flexion is where the forearm (radius and ulna) moves towards the upper arm (humerus) and extension vice versa. This hinge joint allows us the function of a powerful yet stable structure used to some degree in a majority of all upper limb activities. Weight transference at the elbow joint is primarily between the humerus and ulna and is evident in the close proximity of the end of the humerus (olecranon fossa) and the beginning of the ulna (semilunar notch).
Although bony injuries and joint dislocation can occur the most common injuries surround the soft tissues including:
Tennis elbow Golfers elbow Ligament sprain Bursitis
The other movement recognised at the lower arm is turning of the forearm or pronation and supination. These movements although appearing to occur at the elbow actually occur at the articulations between the two forearm bones (radius and ulna). At either end of these two bones a rotation allows the arm to face upward (supination) and downward (pronation). As such these bones and joints are susceptible to injury and overuse just as any other structure.
Due to the impact often sustained at the wrist joint during prolonged, repetitive or heavy falls, the distal radioulna joint can weaken or even fracture. Because the bones of the hand articulate in greater measure with the radius than the ulna then it is commonly this bone that is damaged. However other common conditions around the wrist include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome Repetitive strain injury (R.S.I.)
Radius, Ulna or hand bone fracture |
