Elbow Anatomy in Northampton & Corby

Your Local Experts in Elbow Pain

Are you struggling with Elbow PAIN and looking for effective, professional treatment? At Team Rehab UK Ltd, our dedicated clinics in Brixworth and Corby offer premium physiotherapy services to help you regain your mobility and live pain-free. With a minimum of 24 years of experience each, our highly skilled chartered physiotherapists are committed to providing personalised care tailored to your specific needs.

Understanding Elbow Joint Anatomy

Introduction to Elbow Anatomy

The elbow is a complex joint that plays a crucial role in the functionality of the arm. It is formed by the articulation of three bones – the humerus, radius, and ulna. This joint allows for the bending and straightening of the arm, as well as rotational movements necessary for daily activities.

Structure and Function of the Elbow Joint

The elbow joint is a hinge joint, meaning it primarily allows for flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) of the arm. Additionally, it enables supination and pronation, which are the rotational movements of the forearm.

Bones of the Elbow Joint

Humerus: The upper arm bone that forms the upper portion of the elbow joint. At its lower end, the humerus has two bony protrusions known as the medial and lateral epicondyles, which can be felt on either side of the elbow.

Ulna: The larger bone of the forearm, located on the inner side of the elbow. It has a curved shape that articulates with the humerus, forming a stable joint.

Radius: The smaller bone of the forearm, located on the outer side of the elbow. The head of the radius is circular and allows for smooth movement with the humerus, facilitating the rotational movement of the forearm.

Joints Within the Joint

The elbow consists of three distinct joints formed by the articulation of the humerus, radius, and ulna:

Humeroulnar Joint: This joint is formed between the humerus and the ulna, allowing for the primary flexion and extension movements of the arm.

Humeroradial Joint: Located between the radius and humerus, this joint permits flexion, extension, and some rotational movements such as supination and pronation.

Radioulnar Joint: This joint is formed between the radius and ulna, specifically allowing for the rotational movement of the forearm.

Humeroradial, humeroulnar and radioulnar joints withing the elbow

Articular Cartlage

The articulating surfaces of the humerus, radius, and ulna are lined with articular cartilage. This thin, tough, flexible, and slippery surface acts as a shock absorber and cushion, reducing friction between the bones during movement. The cartilage is lubricated by synovial fluid, which further facilitates smooth motion.

Muscles of the Elbow Joint

Several muscles span the elbow joint, enabling a wide range of movements:

Biceps Brachii: This muscle in the upper arm is responsible for flexing the arm at the elbow. Is has a short and a long head attachment proximally (nearest the head)

Triceps Brachii: Located at the back of the upper arm, the triceps extend the arm and stabilise the elbow during fine movements.

Brachialis: Situated beneath the biceps, this muscle flexes the elbow towards the body.

Brachioradialis: A forearm muscle that assists in flexing, straightening, and pulling the arm at the elbow.

Pronator Teres: Extending from the humeral head across the elbow towards the ulna, this muscle helps turn the palm backwards.

Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis: This forearm muscle aids in hand movement.

Extensor Digitorum: Another forearm muscle, it facilitates finger movements.

Elbow Joint Muscles

Ensuring Optimal Treatment Outcomes

At Team Rehab UK, we emphasise that treatments which are not effective should not continue beyond accepted clinical timescales without further in-depth investigations. We prefer these additional assessments to be conducted by consultant specialists outside our company’s financial interests. This approach ensures we receive an unbiased second opinion, guaranteeing that the care you receive is the most clinically appropriate.

Ligaments of the Elbow Joint

Ligaments provide stability and support to the elbow joint joining bone to bone:

Ligaments

Medial (Ulnar) Collateral Ligament: Composed of triangular bands of tissue on the inner side of the elbow, providing stability.

Lateral (Radial) Collateral Ligament: A thin band of tissue on the outer side of the elbow, also crucial for stability.

Annular Ligament: Surrounds the radial head and secures the ulna and radius together during arm movement.

These ligaments help to form a joint capsule that contains synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint.

Elbow Joint Ligaments

The elbow ligaments and the elbow joint capsule

Nerves of the Elbow Joint

The main nerves of the elbow joint include the ulnar, radial, and median nerves. These nerves transmit signals from the brain to the muscles, facilitating movement, and carry sensory signals like touch, pain, and temperature back to the brain. Any injury or damage to these nerves can result in pain, weakness, or joint instability.

Nerves of the Upper Limb

Blood Vessels Around the Elbow Joint

Arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the hand. The main artery of the elbow is the brachial artery, which travels across the inside of the elbow and divides into two smaller branches below the elbow to form the ulnar and radial arteries.

Blood Vessels of the Upper Limb

The blood vessels in and around the elbow joint

We have included this video animation to help you visualise the anatomy that we, as professionals, often take for granted. At Team Rehab UK, we are dedicated to helping our patients understand the causes of their symptoms, empowering them to effectively manage their condition both during and after their treatment.

Please note that some of our videos may be of American origin and might contain slightly different professional terms or approaches compared to those used in the UK. However, the content remains highly informative and beneficial. You should seek advice form your UK based specialist before trying any advice contained, or inferred, in the video you ensure it complies with UK best practice standards.

Summary

Understanding the anatomy of the elbow is essential for recognizing how this complex joint functions and what can go wrong. Whether it's dealing with pain, recovering from an injury, or enhancing elbow strength and flexibility, our expert team at Team Rehab uk in Northampton (Brixworth) and Corby is here to help. We offer a range of services, including physiotherapy, sports massage, and consultations with experienced physiotherapists and consultants. We are recognised providers for Bupa Northampton and Axa Northampton, ensuring high-quality care for our patients.

If you’re dealing with elbow pain or need professional advice on maintaining elbow health, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Sharing this detailed guide with friends, family, or colleagues can help them understand elbow anatomy better and seek appropriate care if needed. Together, we can enhance your quality of life and keep you active.

Other related pages you may find interesting or helpful

Elbow pain is a prevalent condition that can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. The causes of elbow pain are diverse, ranging from mild inflammation to severe injuries, and the symptoms can vary from a burning sensation to intense discomfort

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition characterised by pain on the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, you don't have to be a tennis player to suffer from this condition.

Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition that occurs due to repeated muscle contractions in the forearm causing inflammation and micro-tears in the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition caused by the compression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel area of the elbow. The ulnar nerve travels down the back of the elbow behind the medial epicondyle and through the cubital tunnel, a passageway formed by bone, muscle, and ligaments, with the fascia-covered roof

Elbow fractures can be a painful and debilitating injury that significantly impacts your daily life. The elbow is a complex hinge joint that plays a crucial role in the movement and function of your arm.

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Convenient Locations in Brixworth and Corby

Brixworth Clinic

Our main rehabilitation centre in Northampton (Brixworth) was purpose built with the sole aim of providing the best opportunities for our expert team to provide you with the best recovery potential. Open in April 2024, the clinic is conveniently located and easily accessible, offering a welcoming environment where you can receive the highest standard of care. We are committed to making your visit as comfortable and effective as possible.

Corby Clinic

The Corby clinic is a much smaller set up within the Lakeside medical centre but we strive to deliver the same exceptional physiotherapy services, within the confines of the setting, ensuring that high-quality physiotherapy is available to the wider community. Our dedicated team is ready to help you overcome back pain and improve your quality of life.

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