OVERVIEW
- The elbow serves to position the hand in space.
- The muscles acting here are often denervated in brachial plexus and proximal peripheral nerve injury patterns.
- With dysfunction at the elbow, the upper extremity cannot be properly positioned in space to perform normal functions even if normal hand or other distal function is preserved.
- Restoration of elbow movement must be a priority in peripheral nerve injury patients.
Structures of the Elbow
Bones:
- Humerus
- Radius
- Ulna
- The elbow joint is a hinge joint.
Movements of the Elbow
- Flexion and extension are movements about a coronal axis.