What to know about the elbow joint

The elbow joint is a synovial hinge joint, similar to the ankle and knee joints. Two or more bones form hinge joints that move along an axis, rather than rotate like the hip joint. The distal humerus and proximal ulna are the primary elbow joint bones.

The hinge joint allows the elbow to bend and straighten. It also helps with hand motion by allowing the forearm to rotate.

The elbow joint includes various bones, ligaments, veins, arteries, and nerves.

Osteology

The elbow has three articulations, or joints:

• radiohumeral joint
• ulnohumeral joint
• proximal radioulnar joint

Stability comes mainly from the bony joints of the ulnar olecranon and the trochlea of the humerus.

The olecranon looks like a wrench and has a landmark called the trochlear notch. The trochlea of the humerus fits in the trochlear notch. This is the main point where the elbow pivots while bending and straightening.

The trochlear notch wraps about 180 degrees around the humerus, and the tight fit of the two structures enables greater stability.

Ligaments

Aside from the bones, elbow stability comes from the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). These ligaments form the joint capsule.

The LCL breaks down into the following ligaments:

• lateral radial collateral ligament
• annular ligament
• lateral ulnar collateral ligament

The annular ligament stabilizes the proximal radioulnar joint. The lateral ulnar collateral ligament ensures that the elbow does not rotate too far towards the back of the body.

The MCL breaks down into the following ligaments:

• posterior oblique ligament
• anterior oblique ligament
• transverse ligament

The anterior oblique ligament keeps the elbow from bending toward the body.

Nerves

The cubital tunnel is a space in the elbow that houses the ulnar nerve and allows it to pass through the ligaments of the elbow. The nerves that cross the elbow joint mainly go to the forearm and hand structures.

The elbow joint is a crossing space for most of the nerves and blood vessels in the upper extremities of the body.

Blood supply

The brachial artery transports blood from the shoulder to the elbow. It splits into two arteries at the elbow, called the radial and ulnar arteries. Both arteries travel across the front of the elbow.

Once they reach the forearm, the radial artery travels along the thumbs side of the forearm towards the wrist, and the ulnar artery travels along the pinky finger side of the forearm towards the wrist.

The elbows are complicated joints that people use daily. Overloading or overusing the elbows can lead to injuries and inflammation. That includes:

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac.

Causes of bursitis include:

• overuse
• injury
• infection
• other inflammatory processes

Symptoms of bursitis include:

• pain
• swelling
• restriction to movement

Bursitis treatment includes:

• pain medicines
• rest
• ice

A doctor may inject a drug into the area surrounding the swollen bursa if another treatment is not helping. If elbow health does not improve after 6 to 12 months, a doctor may suggest surgery to repair damage and relieve pressure.

Dislocated elbow

A dislocated elbow occurs when the joint surfaces of the elbow separate. Trauma, such as a fall, is often the cause. A dislocation can be complete or partial depending on whether the joint surfaces separate entirely or partially.

Complete dislocations are extremely painful. In these cases, the elbow looks deformed or oddly twisted. Partial dislocations may appear normal, but cause pain or some bruising on the inside and outside of the elbow.

A doctor must realign the elbow using a reduction maneuver. Individuals with complex cases may need surgery to realign the bones and repair ligaments.

Medial epicondylitis

Medial epicondylitis, or golfer’s elbow, is a common ailment caused by repetitive bending and force on the elbow joint.

People who play sports such as golf and baseball and professionals such as plumbers and construction workers are more likely to experience this injury.

Golfer’s elbow symptoms include irritation and pain where the tendon attaches to the bone. Common treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ice, and steroid injections.

Osteoarthritis

Elbow osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage becomes damaged or wears out. While this can result from a previous injury, such as dislocation or fracture, it usually comes from normal cartilage wear from activity and age.

Symptoms include pain and a loss of range of motion.

Early treatment includes physical therapy, activity moderation, and oral medications to reduce or alleviate pain. Corticosteroids are another treatment option for early-stage osteoarthritis. If these treatments do not control symptoms, surgery may be the next step.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease where the immune system attacks the linings of joints and sometimes the internal organs.

Symptoms include:

• joint pain
• swelling
• inflammation
• loss of function

Treatment includes medication and self-management strategies. Self-management strategies to reduce pain and disability include having an active lifestyle, maintaining a moderate weight, and avoiding joint injuries.

Sprain

An elbow sprain involves pulling or tearing ligaments in the elbow joint.

Symptoms include:

• pain
• swelling
• bruising
• redness
• difficulty using the elbow

Treatment includes using a sling, cast, or splint to prevent movement, or surgery to repair torn ligaments.

Lateral epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is an inflammation or micro-tearing of the tendons that join the forearm muscle to the outside of the elbow. Symptoms include pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow and weak grip strength.

This is often treatable through:

• rest
• medication
• use of a brace
• steroid injections
• extracorporeal shock wave therapy
• physical therapy

If these treatments are not successful after 6 to 12 months, surgery may be necessary to remove diseased muscles and reattach healthy muscle to the bone.

These tips can help keep the elbow joints healthy and reduce the risk of injury:

• Participate in regular physical activity to ease joint stiffness and strengthen muscles surrounding the joints.
• Avoid overworking the joints and listen to pain signals.
• Maintain proper form in sports.
• Try an anti-inflammatory diet, especially if an individual has arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

The elbow is a synovial joint that aids in flexion and extension. It is a crossing point for the nerves and blood vessels of the upper arm and forearm.

Many injuries and conditions cause elbow pain. However, exercising, avoiding overuse, maintaining proper form when doing activities, and following an anti-inflammatory diet can help keep the elbow joint healthy.