Elbow Anatomy
The elbow is a complex joint that allows you to extend and flex your arm and rotate your hand. Fellowship trained elbow surgeon Dr. Ben Mayo specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex elbow conditions and injuries. Dr. Mayo offers comprehensive care for patients of all activity levels. From diagnosing tennis elbow to performing Tommy John surgery, Dr. Mayo can help. Here is an overview of the basic elbow anatomy and common elbow conditions we treat. If you are in need of an orthopedic elbow surgeon, contact Dr. Ben Mayo and his team today for a consultation in his offices in Livonia or Sterling Heights, Michigan
Humerus
This is your upper arm bone. The lower end of the humerus has two rounded knobs (condyles) that connect with the bones of the forearm to form the elbow joint. In high-impact sports, athletes can sustain a humeral fracture from a direct blow to the arm or a fall on an outstretched hand.
Radius and Ulna
These are the two bones of your forearm that meet with the humerus to form the elbow joint. The ulna is larger and forms the point of your elbow, while the radius allows for the rotation of the wrist. Fractures of the radius or ulna can occur from falls or direct impacts in sports. A specific type of injury, called a radial head fracture, often occurs when an athlete falls on an outstretched hand.
Ligaments
The main ligaments in the elbow are the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These ligaments provide stability and prevent the elbow from moving in unnatural directions. Athletes can experience sprains or tears in these ligaments, particularly in sports that involve throwing motions. A common injury in baseball pitchers is an MCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament in the elbow) sprain or tear, often referred to as “Tommy John” injury. In some cases, a traumatic fall can cause an elbow dislocation, where the radius and ulna no longer are in position against the humerus. In an elbow dislocation, ligaments are often torn leading to elbow instability.
Tendons
Tendons connect your muscles to your bones. The most significant tendon in the elbow is the tendon of the biceps muscle, allowing you to flex your elbow, and the tendons of the triceps muscle, allowing you to straighten your elbow. Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon) can develop in athletes from repetitive use. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) are common forms of tendinitis that affect the tendons around the elbow.
Biceps
The biceps muscle allows you to bend your elbow and rotate your forearm. It goes from your shoulder all the way down to attach on your radius. Biceps strains or tears can occur in weightlifting or contact sports.
Triceps
The triceps muscle enables you to straighten your elbow. The triceps muscle goes from the top of your arm and back of your shoulder to insert on the back of the ulna bone. Triceps strains or tears can occur in sports that involve forceful pushing or blocking movements.
Schedule a elbow consultation
Understanding your elbow anatomy can help you understand what might be causing your elbow pain. If you are having elbow pain, it’s important to be evaluated by an expert elbow surgeon like Dr. Ben Mayo. As a fellowship trained sports surgeon with specialization in complex elbow issues, Dr. Mayo delivers tailored care that suits your needs, helping you return to your sport, your job, or your everyday activities as quickly and safely as possible. Dr. Mayo is conveniently located with clinics in Sterling Heights and Livonia to serve nearby communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, Novi, and Royal Oak. If you or a family member suffer from elbow elbow pain, contact Dr. Mayo to schedule a consultation today.
At a Glance
Ben Mayo, MD
- Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
- Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
- Learn more