Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Elbow Joint

The elbow is a complex joint that relies on an intricate system of primary and secondary stabilizers, which are differentiated into static and dynamic structures. Knowledge of these structures is of utmost importance for the successful treatment of the broad variability in elbow pathologies. This chapter will display elbow anatomy in detail. Therefore, the bony anatomy, the ligamentous and muscular anatomy, and the neurovascular anatomy will be discussed and will be displayed at hand in images and figures. Special emphasis is given to the neurovascular anatomy, as profound knowledge of the neurovascular structures is crucial in preventing iatrogenic harm. Injury of the main nerves that pass the elbow joint—the radial, median, and ulnar nerves—will lead to devastating deficits in forearm and hand function. In open, but also in arthroscopic elbow surgery, neurovascular structures have to be respected in any procedure. The ulnar nerves pass the joint in a close anatomical relationship to the medial gutter and can be injured there easily during arthroscopy. We hope this chapter will give adequate information to enhance knowledge and safety for such procedures.