Cubital Fossa & Elbow

what are the boundaries of the cubital fossa?

base: imaginary line connecting the medial and lateral epicondyles

medial: pronator teres

lateral: brachioradialis

roof: skin, superficial & deep fascia (median cubital vein)

floor: brachialis & supinator

what are the contents of the cubital fossa (medial→lateral)?

medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve

median nerve

brachial artery

biceps tendon

radial nerve

lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm

what type of joint is the elbow joint?

a hinged (uniaxial) synovial joint

what type of support does the elbow joint have?

firm osseous support

strong ligamentous support medial & laterally

strong muscular support anterior & posteriorly

what are the movements of the elbow joint?

allows flexion/extension: combination of gliding/rolling

which joint is the “true” elbow joint?

the humeroulnar joint (ulnar → trochlea)

what are the bands of the ulnar collateral ligament?

anterior: strong & cord-like

posterior: weaker & fan-like

oblique: connects ulna to ulna

what are the components of the lateral collateral ligament complex?

radial collateral ligament

lateral ulnar collateral ligament

annular ligament

what are the characteristics and movements of the proximal radioulnar joint?

a pivot (trochoid) synovial joint

fibrous capsule and annular ligament (stabilizes the radial head) is with the elbow joint

allows pronation/supination

what makes up the ligamentous support for the radioulnar joints?

annular ligament

quadrate ligament

oblique cord

interosseous membrane

what are the etiology and caution with dislocation of the humeroulnar joint?

fall on outstretched hand (FOOSH) with elbow in flexed or hyperextended position (posterior dislocation most common)

evaluate circulation & nerve function

what are the etiology, S/S, and caution with Volkmann’s ischemic contracture?

FOOSH mechanism with elbow in flexed or hyperextended position (posterior dislocation most common)

absence of pulse deep, poorly localized pain (pain increased with finger motion), paralysis

evaluate circulation and nerve function

what is the etiology for a radial head fracture?

FOOSH mechanism

what is the etiology for nursemaid’s elbow?

tension (distraction) of wrist/hand while pronated

what are the bursae about the elbow?

subcutaneous and subtendinous bursae