[Plate 426, Ligaments of Elbow]page 225
page 226Compound synovial joint in which radius and ulna articulate with humerus
Joint cavity continuous with radioulnar joint
Fibrous capsule encloses all three articulations
Humeroulnar joint
Uniaxial, synovial hinge joint
Between trochlea of humerus and trochlear notch of ulna
Humeroradial joint
Uniaxial, synovial hinge joint
Between capitulum of humerus and head of radius
Blood supply to humeroulnar and humeroradial joints: anastomoses around elbow from brachial, radial, and ulnar arteries
Nerve supply to these joints: musculocutaneous, radial, and ulnar nerves
Proximal radioulnar joint
Uniaxial, synovial pivot joint
Between head of the radius and radial notch of the ulna
Blood supply: anterior and posterior interosseous arteries
Nerve supply: musculocutaneous, median and ulnar nerves
Ligaments reinforcing elbow joint
Ulnar collateral ligament: medial epicondyle to coronoid process and olecranon
Radial collateral ligament: lateral epicondyle to annular ligament
Annular ligament
Strong fibrous circle
From margins of radial notch of ulna
Encircles head of radius
Maintains position of the radial head during pronation and supination
Movements at the elbow joint
Flexion (∼180 degrees) and extension at humeroulnar and humeroradial joints
Pronation and supination with rotation of the head of the radius within annular ligament at proximal radioulnar joint
Distal radioulnar joint
Synovial pivot joint
Articulation between ulnar notch and articular facet of radius at its distal end