Atlas of Human Anatomy by Netter

FACTS & HINTS

HIGH-YIELD FACTS

Clinical Points

Subluxation of the Radial Head (Nursemaid Elbow)

Caused by sudden pulling on the upper limb with the forearm pronated

Distal attachment of the annular ligament is torn and radial head slips out, trapping the ligament between it and the capitulum

Preschool children, especially girls, most vulnerable

Head of radius is repositioned by supinating forearm fully and then flexing elbow

Bursitis of the Elbow

Repeated pressure or friction on a bursa may cause it to become inflamed and tender

Subcutaneous olecranon bursitis ("student's elbow") most common, often occurring in students (from resting elbows on desk), darts

players and from falls and abrasions to the elbow

Subtendinous olecranon bursitis less common, as is bicipitoradial bursitis

Epicondylitis

Activities involving repetitive movements of wrist may lead to localized elbow pain

Repeated extension of wrist causes lateral epicondylitis ("tennis elbow")-microtrauma of common extensor muscle origin, with pain felt over

the lateral aspect of the elbow

Medial epicondylitis ("golfer's elbow") from repeated wrist flexion, with pain felt over the medial epicondyle, especially on resisted wrist

flexion

Bursitis or synovitis may coexist with epicondylitis

MNEMONICS

Memory Aids

Radial nerve innervates the BEST! Brachioradialis

Extensors

Supinator

Triceps

Muscles that flex the elbow: Three B's Bend the elBow

Brachialis Biceps

Brachioradialis