What is the anatomy of the elbow joint?
The elbow joint is a hinged joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) meets the two forearm bones (ulna and radius). The main stabilizing structure of the elbow joint is the ligament along the inner aspect of the elbow (medial collateral ligament.) The unique anatomy of the elbow joint allows it to pass through a broad range of motion. During repetitive overhead sports, such as throwing, the elbow experiences tremendous stress. Repetitive overhead sports may lead to the formation of small loose fragments of cartilage or bone (loose bodies) or elbow joint spurs. How are elbow loose bodies or spurs diagnosed? Patients involved in repetitive overhead activity with work or sport generate tremendous forces in the elbow joint. These forces may lead to the formation of elbow spurs or loose fragments of cartilage or bone from the elbow joint surfaces. These chips can float through the elbow joint causing locking or catching. Patients with elbow loose bodies or spurs complain of these locking ep
