A hinged joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) joins the forearm bones (radius and ulna).
Joint at which the upper arm (humems) and forearm (specifically the ulna and radius of the forearm) meet; it is a common site of inflammation and injury.
The joint between the arm and forearm.
The elbow joint is established at the point where the humerus, the bone in the upper arm, connects with the upper sections of the radius and ulna, which are the bones in the forearm. Stability of the elbow is ensured by ligaments positioned at the front, back, and sides. The elbow joint facilitates the bending and straightening of the arm and nearly 180-degree rotation of the forearm along its length, with minimal movement of the upper arm itself.
Elbow conditions range from arthritis to diverse injuries affecting the joint, as well as the encompassing muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Continual stress on the tendons attached to the forearm muscles at the elbow can lead to inflammation, a condition called epicondylitis. There are primarily two types of epicondylitis, namely, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. In another scenario, the ligaments surrounding the elbow joint may experience a sprain.
Olecranon bursitis is a condition that forms at the elbow’s tip due to localized irritation. Excessive stress on the elbow joint can lead to conditions such as effusion, characterized by fluid build-up within the joint, or traumatic synovitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes lining the joint capsule.
A sudden impact on the olecranon process, also known as the “funny bone” and recognized as the elbow’s bony tip, could exert pressure on the ulnar nerve which navigates through a groove in this region. This can result in transient discomfort, which manifests as a tingling sensation and sharp pains radiating down the arm into the fourth and fifth fingers.
Falling onto an extended hand or directly onto the elbow’s tip can potentially result in an elbow fracture or dislocation.