Elbow Anatomy and Fractures Overview

A fracture that occurs in the metaphyseal area of the humerus, just above the condyles. It is the most common elbow injury in children.

A fracture that occurs when the distal segment of the humerus is displaced backward and upward. This occurs due to falling on an outstretched hand.

A fracture that occurs when the distal segment of the humerus is displaced forward and upward. This occurs due to falling on the tip of a flexed elbow.

A classification system used to describe the severity of a supracondylar fracture. It is based on the degree of displacement of the fractured bone fragments.

A common complication of supracondylar fractures, where the brachialis muscle is torn. This can be identified by the 'brachialis sign', which is tenderness and swelling over the muscle.

A common complication of supracondylar fractures, where bone formation occurs within the muscle tissue. This can limit elbow movement.

The 3rd most common major joint dislocation (after shoulder and hip). It occurs when the ulna dislocates from the humerus.

The most common type of elbow dislocation, where the ulna is displaced posterolaterally relative to the humerus.

A dislocated elbow is a serious injury where the humerus bone comes out of its joint at the elbow. This is often due to a fall or direct impact. The loss of normal elbow alignment can lead to various complications like nerve and blood vessel damage.

A loss of the normal triangular shape formed by the medial epicondyle, lateral epicondyle, and olecranon process is a key sign of an elbow dislocation.

Elbow dislocation often involves assessment of the nerves and blood vessels, both before and after the reduction (realignment) of the joint.

Myositis ossificans, a condition where bone forms in muscle tissue, is a potential complication of an elbow dislocation.

A fracture, a break in a bone, can occur in the olecranon, the bony projection of the elbow.

Olecranon fractures can be caused by direct impact on the flexed elbow, falling on an outstretched hand, or forceful muscle contractions.

Radial head and neck fractures, common in children and adults, can be caused by falling onto an outstretched hand. These fractures are classified based on the severity and location.

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as 'tennis elbow', is a common overuse injury of the tendons at the outer elbow. It is caused by repetitive arm movements like playing tennis.