Elbow
The elbow is a specialized hinge joint located in the middle of the upper extremity.
Three bones form the elbow joint:
-the bottom portion of the humerus (known as the humeral condyles)
-the top portion of the radius (one of the bones of the forearm)
-the top portion of the ulna (the other bone of the forearm)
The elbow is a complex joint and allows for two kinds of motion:
-the top portion of the radius (one of the bones of the forearm)
-the top portion of the ulna (the other bone of the forearm)
The elbow is a complex joint and allows for two kinds of motion:
-Hinge-like bending (flexion) and straightening (extension). This bending occurs between the humerus and ulna.
-The unique motion of rotating the forearm, such as when screwing in a light bulb, occurs between the radius and ulna. When the palm is being rotated towards the ceiling the motion is known as supination. When the palm is being rotated towards the floor the motion is known as pronation.
Most fractures of the bones of the elbow require surgical stabilization.
Elbow Problems Treated by Dr. Brinker*
Problem Types |
Number of Surgical Cases |
|
Fracture Nonunions |
22 |
|
Deformities |
17 |
|
Complex Fractures |
30 |
*This chart does not represent all of Dr. Brinker's Cases.