Elbow
Elbow: The juncture of the long bones in the middle portion of the upper extremity. The bone of the arm (humerus) meets both the ulna (the inner bone of the forearm) and radius (the outer bone of the forearm) to form a hinge joint at the elbow. The radius and ulna also meet one another in the elbow to permit a small amount of rotation of the forearm. The elbow therefore functions to move the arm like a hinge (forward and backward) and in rotation (outward and inward). The biceps muscle is the major muscle that flexes the elbow hinge, and the triceps muscle is the major muscle that extends it. The primary stability of the elbow is provided by the ulnar collateral ligament, located on the medial (inner) side of the elbow. The outer bony prominence of the elbow is the lateral epicondyle, a part of the humerus bone. Tendons attached to this area can be injured, causing inflammation or tendonitis (lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow). The inner portion of the elbow is a bony prominence called the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Additional tendons from muscles attach here and can be injured, likewise causing inflammation or tendonitis (medial epicondylitis, or golfer’s elbow).
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Elbow bursitis: A common form of bursitis that is also known as olecranon bursitis. At the tip of the elbow (olecranon area) is the olecranon bursa, a fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction during motion. Because of its location, the olecranon bursa is subject to trauma, ranging from simple repetitive […]
- Elbow bursitis, treatment of
Elbow bursitis, treatment of: If non-infectious, elbow bursitis treatment includes rest, ice, and medications for inflammation and pain. Infectious bursitis is treated with antibiotics, aspiration, and surgery.
- Elbow joint
Elbow joint: The juncture of the long bones in the middle portion of the upper extremity. The bone of the arm (humerus) meets both the ulna (the inner bone of the forearm) and radius (the outer bone of the forearm) to form a hinge joint at the elbow. The radius and ulna also meet one […]
- Elbow pain
Elbow pain is most often the result of tendinitis, which can affect the inner or outer elbow. Treatment includes ice, rest, and medication for inflammation. Elbow pain has many other causes including arthritis and bursitis. Funny bone sensation is irritation of a nerve at the elbow that causes numbness and tingling of the inner elbow, […]
- Elbow, arthritis of the
Elbow, arthritis of the: Inflammation of the elbow joint. Arthritis of the elbow can be due to many systemic forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Elbow arthritis is associated with signs of warmth, swelling, pain, tenderness, and decreased range of motion.