Buzz
The human body is a marvel of nature, intimately familiar yet often misunderstood. Its intricate features, functions, and mysteries are worth exploring. Our series, The Body, delves into human anatomy piece by piece, offering a fascinating mini-encyclopedia filled with awe-inspiring insights.
Unless you’ve hit your funny bone or are an avid tennis player, you probably don’t give much thought to your elbow. However, this essential joint is vital for countless everyday tasks, says Anand Murthi, a leading orthopedic surgeon and head of shoulder and elbow surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
1. THE ELBOW IS FAR MORE INTRICATE THAN IT APPEARS.
Though small, the elbow relies on three bones to enable its straightforward hinging motion. The humerus extends from the shoulder socket to the radius and ulna. (Interestingly, some believe the term "funny bone"—referring to the ulnar nerve—is a playful nod to the word humorous.) The radius, one of the two forearm bones, spans from the elbow to the thumb side of the wrist, while the ulna extends toward the pinkie side. Together, these bones allow your arm to hinge, enabling actions like bicep curls, lifting bags, or rotating your hand.
2. A CRUCIAL LIGAMENT HOLDS IT TOGETHER, AS MANY ATHLETES CAN ATTEST …
The elbow's bones are linked by various tendons and ligaments, including the ulnar collateral ligament, a fibrous tissue joining the humerus to the forearm bones. This ligament is both vital and delicate. When damaged, it causes intense pain and sometimes visible bruising on the inner arm. It’s a frequent injury in sports like baseball, football, ice hockey, and golf. Another key ligament, the radial collateral ligament, sits on the outer elbow, limiting excessive extension and is less susceptible to injury.
3. … BUT THAT'S NOT THE ONLY PART OF YOUR ELBOW AT RISK.
The humerus features two rounded protrusions at its lower end called epicondyles, where muscles attach. The ulna also has two protrusions: the olecranon, forming the elbow's pointy tip, and the coronoid process, a front-facing projection. Fractures, particularly in children, often occur at these epicondyles, making them the most common short-term elbow injuries. In older patients, conditions like osteoarthritis can cause severe degeneration, sometimes necessitating an elbow replacement. (As bones weaken with age, preventing falls is crucial, as elbows are highly susceptible to injury.)
4. TRAMPOLINES ARE A LEADING CAUSE OF ELBOW INJURIES.
While trampolines are a favorite activity for kids, Barbara Bergin, an orthopedic surgeon based in Austin, Texas, informs Mytour that she frequently treats elbow fractures in children caused by trampoline use. The American Board of Pediatrics even advises against trampolines due to the high risk of elbow and wrist injuries.
5. YOUR ELBOW'S FUNCTIONALITY RELIES ON TWENTY-THREE MUSCLES.
The primary muscles responsible for arm bending are the triceps, located at the back of your arm, and the biceps, found at the front. Additionally, your numerous smaller flexor and extensor muscles enable wrist and finger movement, as well as forearm rotation.
6. TENNIS ELBOW ISN'T LIMITED TO TENNIS PLAYERS.
A frequent elbow ailment, known as "tennis elbow" or lateral epicondylitis, isn’t exclusive to tennis players. Bergin explains that any repetitive bending and flexing of the elbow can lead to this painful tendon degeneration on the outer elbow. She notes, "I likely encounter tennis elbow cases daily in my practice." If you develop this condition, Bergin emphasizes, "It’s essential to stop the activity causing pain. Continuing will only worsen the issue." Complete healing is necessary before resuming the activities that triggered the problem.
7. IN SEVERE CASES, "TOMMY JOHN" SURGERY MAY BE REQUIRED.
In 1974, when MLB pitcher Tommy John damaged his ulnar collateral ligament, his surgeon pioneered a groundbreaking procedure, replacing the ligament with a tendon from another part of his body. While recovery can take up to a year—or longer, as in Tommy John’s case, which required two surgeries over two and a half years—the technique has since become a reliable solution. Murthi shares with Mytour, "Emerging research on repairing the medial collateral ligament, rather than reconstructing it, could shorten recovery times. Additionally, advancements in treating cartilage damage, ligament reconstruction, and joint preservation are ongoing."
8. ELBOW SURGERY IS INHERENTLY COMPLEX.
Murthi highlights the difficulty of elbow surgery due to its proximity to critical blood vessels and nerves in the hand and arm. "Precision and expertise are vital for successful outcomes," he says. "Rehabilitation with a skilled therapist is often key to recovery." Many procedures are now performed arthroscopically, allowing surgeons to navigate the intricate structures with greater accuracy.
9. IN THE EVENT OF AN AMPUTATION, BELOW-THE-ELBOW IS PREFERABLE.
Bergin explains that losing part of the arm below the elbow is less debilitating, as it preserves a greater range of motion and makes prosthetic use more effective. Thankfully, upper limb amputations are uncommon and typically result from accidents, unlike lower limb amputations, which are often linked to vascular diseases.
10. EVEN READING CAN TRIGGER AN ELBOW ISSUE.
Prolonged reading with your elbows bent, especially in a seated position, can lead to ulnar neuritis, an inflammation of the ulnar nerve causing finger and hand numbness or weakness. Bergin notes, "This condition has become more prevalent due to extended phone use." If you feel a "tingling sensation in your pinky and ring finger," it’s likely a sign. She advises taking frequent breaks with arms extended, using devices like a Kindle or laptop for reading, and maintaining proper ergonomics while driving, typing, or using electronics.
