Elbow Anatomy

The elbow is a hinge joint made up by three bones: the humerus, ulna and radius. It has two planes of motion, bending and rotation. The rotational motion is observed in motions such as twisting a screwdriver. The primary stabilizer of the elbow is the medial collateral ligament. The "funny bone", is not really a bone but the superficial location of the ulnar nerve below the medial epicondyle. Sensitivity at the inner elbow with numbness of the small and ring fingers may indicate a problem that needs evaluation by a physician or even nerve conduction studies. The most common problem with the elbow is tennis elbow or inflammation at the lateral epicondyle involving the extensor muscle origin. Pain on the outer aspect of the elbow, aggravated by power grip may indicate you have this problem. If any of these situations sound like your troubles, contact Mapleton Hill Orthopaedics for a referral or appointment.