CamScanner 11-29-2020 Maths sayeema Akte

Anatomy of the Upper Extremities

Elbow Joint

  • Type: Hinge joint

  • Articulations:

    • Trochlea with the olecranon of ulna

    • Capitulum with the head of the radius

Ligaments of the Elbow

  • Joint Capsule: Strengthened by:

    • Ulnar collateral ligament

    • Radial collateral ligament

  • Radial Collateral Ligament: Extends from lateral epicondyle to blend with annular ligament.

  • Ulnar Collateral Ligament: Originates from medial epicondyle and attaches to coronoid process and olecranon of ulna.

Forearm Structure

  • Divided into anterior and posterior compartments separated by:

    • Lateral intermuscular septum

    • Interosseous membrane: connects radius and ulna

  • Cubital Fossa: Contains major structures passing between the forearm and hand.

  • Important: The ulnar nerve passes posteriorly to the medial epicondyle.

Carpal Tunnel

  • Contains: Median nerve, flexor tendons

  • Structures pass between forearm and hand, with radial artery entering posteriorly.

Carpal Bones

  • Two Rows:

    • Proximal Row: Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform

    • Distal Row: Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate

  • Articulation: Distal row articulates with metacarpals.

Metacarpals and Phalanges

  • Metacarpals: Each has base, shaft, and head; articulate with carpal bones.

  • Phalanges:

    • Each finger has three (proximal, middle, distal) except the thumb which has two.

    • The head of each proximal phalanx articulates with the corresponding metacarpal.

Deep Transverse Metacarpal Ligaments

  • Connect palmar ligaments restricting movement between metacarpal bones.

  • Thumb has no ligament separating it from the index finger, increasing mobility.

Common Injuries

  • Supracondylar Fracture of Humerus:

    • Common in children, affects elbow region, may lead to serious complications.

  • Pulled Elbow:

    • Common in young children, results from a sharp pull on the hand causing subluxation.

  • Fractures of Radius and Ulna:

    • Monteggia's Fracture: Ulna fracture with radius dislocation.

    • Galeazzi's Fracture: Radius fracture with ulna subluxation.

    • Colles' Fracture: Distal radial fracture with posterior displacement.

Scaphoid Injury

  • Most common carpal bone injury with risk of avascular necrosis due to compromised blood supply post-fracture.