Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2025

42 • Massage Therapy Journal

Elbow Joint Ligaments

Name

Location

Function

Spans between the anterior-medial epicondyle of the humerus and the corrinoid process of the ulna. It has an anterior, posterior and inferior band. Spans from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus to the superior crest of the ulna and the annular ligament. This ligament spans from the conoid tubercle on the inferior clavicle to the coracoid process of the scapula.

Ulnar collateral ligament (elbow)

Resist valgus stresses and stabilize the elbow joint.

Radial collateral ligament (elbow)

Resist varus stresses and stabilize the elbow joint. Stabilizes the radial head in the radial notch during pronation and supination.

Annular ligament

Radioulnar Joints: Structure and Function

Range of motion

Joint

Movement

The radioulnar joints are pivot joints located in the forearm between the radius and the ulna. This joint is responsible for the rotational movements of the forearm, allowing for pronation and supination. There are two parts to the radioulnar joint: the proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ) and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The PRUJ is located just distal to the elbow and involves the head of the

Flexion

0-150º

Elbow

Extension

0-minus 10°

Elbow Joint: Structure and Function The elbow joint is a hinge joint formed by the articulation of three bones: the humerus, radius and ulna. The humerus and ulna make up the majority of the joint. It allows for flexion and extension of the forearm and plays a crucial role in various upper limb movements. 12,13

Range of motion

Joint

Movement

Pronation Supination

0-65º 0-75°

Elbow

Radioulnar Joint Ligaments

Name

Location

Function

Spans from the conoid tubercle on the inferior clavicle to the coracoid process of the scapula.

Stabilizes the radial head in the radial notch during pronation and supination. Helps to attach the head of the radial head to the ulna. Resists excessive supination and pronation of the radioulnar joints. Serves as an attachment for the deep muscles of the hand and forearm. Aids in stabilization of the forearm, discouraging migration of the radius to the ulna.

Annular ligament

Quadrate Ligament

Spans between the inferior aspect of the annular ligament to the neck of the radius.

Interosseous membrane of the forearm Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) Dorsal radioulnar ligaments Palmar radioulnar ligaments

Spans between the shafts of the radius and ulna.

Load bearing structure between the lunate, triquetrum and the ulnar head.

Stabilizes the ulnar aspect of the wrist.

Spans from the dorsal aspect of the radius to the base of the styloid process of the ulna. Spans from the anterior aspect of the ulnar notch of the radius to the anterior aspect of the ulnar head.

Stabilizes and shock absorption of the ulnocarpal joint.

Stabilizes the ulnocarpal and radioulnar joints. Helps with transmitting loads from the carpal bones to the ulna.

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