What is the elbow?
A: The elbow is the region between the arm and the forearm that surrounds
the elbow joint.
The term elbow is specifically used for humans and
other primates; in other vertebrates what term is used?
A: Forelimb plus joint.
The elbow joint has three different portions surrounded
by what?
A: A common joint capsule.
These are joints between what?
A: The three bones of the elbow.
What are the three bones of the elbow?
A: The humerus of the upper arm, and the radius and the ulna of the forearm.
When in anatomical position there are how many main
bony landmarks of the elbow?
A: Four.
The elbow joint and the superior radioulnar joint are
enclosed by what?
A: A single fibrous capsule.
The capsule is strengthened by ligaments at the sides
but is what?
A: Relatively weak in front and behind.
The elbow, like other joints, has what on either side?
A: Ligaments.
These are triangular bands which blend with what?
A: The joint capsule.
How many main flexor muscles are there at the elbow?
A: There are three.
Brachialis acts exclusively as an elbow flexor and is
one of the few muscles in the human body with what?
A: A single function.
Brachialis is the main muscle used when the elbow is
flexed how?
A: Slowly.
The arteries supplying the joint are derived from an
extensive circulatory anastomosis between what?
A: The brachial artery and its terminal branches.
The function of the elbow joint is to do what?
A: Extend and flex the arm grasp and reach for objects.
The range of movement in the elbow is from 0 degrees of
elbow extension to how many degrees of elbow flexion?
A: 150 degrees.
When the arm is extended, with the palm facing forward
or up, the bones of the upper arm (humerus) and forearm (radius and ulna)
are what?
A: Not perfectly aligned.
The deviation from a straight line occurs in the
direction of what?
A: The thumb.
The deviation is referred to as what?
A: The "carrying angle"
The carrying angle permits the arm to be swung without
what?
A: Contacting the hips.
What are two of the most common injuries at the elbow?
A: Tennis elbow and
golfer's elbow.
Patients who are able to fully extend their arm at the
elbow are unlikely to have what?
A: A fracture (98% certainty).
Acute fractures may not be easily visible on what?
A: X-ray.
Among injuries to the upper extremity, dislocation of
the elbow is second only to what?
A: A dislocated shoulder.
A full dislocation of the elbow will require expert
medical attention to re-align, and recovery can take how long?
A: Approximately 8–14 weeks.
