Elbow Ligaments
A Short Guide to the Elbow: Ligaments and Tendons
It is important to know the anatomy of the elbow, ligaments and tendons included, to be able to prevent or handle injuries that may occur in the area. The hand and its unique functionality are very dependent on the elbow. The elbow is described as a hinge joint because of its ability to move or swing in one direction. This mobility, which we take for granted, is central to the manner in which we use our arms. If something happens to hamper this movement we miss the efficiency of the elbow.
The elbow comprises of many different components: ligaments and tendons, bones and joints, muscles and nerves. There are also the blood vessels carrying blood through the body.
We can start understanding the anatomical structure of the elbow with the bones in the region. The humerus, which is the bone in the upper arm, the ulna, which is the bigger forearm bone and the radius, the smaller forearm bone all meet at the elbow. The elbow works as a hinge that helps fold and straighten this meeting point. There is also a secondary joint where the radial head, or the radius’ end, intersects with the humerus. This specific joint facilitates the rotation of the radius, which is on the same side as the thumb, and allows the palm to be turned up or down. It also has to be able to slide along the humerus where is ends to allow the elbow to bend and straighten. This joint is also responsible for the rotation of the wrist and it becomes one complex machine in itself. The rounded shape and smooth finish of this region of the human body is indicative of how much movement it has to handle without friction being an issue.
The ends of the bones of the elbow are covered by something called articular cartilage. While this cartilage can be thick in the joints where there is need for strength and weight handling, at the elbow it is fairly thin. Articular cartilage has a rubber-like consistency and it is white, shiny. The slipperiness of this cartilage allows the smooth movement of the joint against all the bones and it also serves as a shock absorber.
The ligaments are actually the soft tissue elements that connect these bones. The elbow because of its intersection of bones has many important ligaments and they come together to form a kind of capsule for the joint. The capsule has a lubricating agent called the synovial fluid and is a sort of watertight sheath protecting the joint. The medial and the lateral collateral ligaments are two important elbow ligaments. The medial collateral is located on the inner edge and the lateral collateral ligament is on the outside edge of the elbow. These two serve to connect the humerus and the ulna, making sure that it is secure during movement or action. These ligaments are central to the stability of the elbow and any injury or tear to these ligaments can lead to dislocation and severe pain. Moreover, if the ligaments do no heal well or in the right place, the patient will have to deal with an unstable elbow for life. Another crucial ligament is called the annular ligament and this one connects the radial head and the ulna. A dislocation of the radial head can cause this circular or ring shaped ligament to tear.
Tendons serve to connect the muscles and the bones and there are some important tendons also within the structure of the elbow. The tendons connecting the large biceps to the radius and the large triceps to the ulna allow the elbow to bend and straighten as the muscle exerts the required force for the action.
This brief snapshot into the anatomy of the elbow is a reminder of the complexity of the human body and the intricate way in which its many parts work together.