Elbow

How does the elbow joint work?

The elbow is the movable connection between the upper and lower arm, which is made up of the elbow joint (articulatio cubiti) and the so-called cubital fossa.

The elbow joint has a special and challenging anatomy. It consists of three partial joints: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius (radius) and the ulna (ulna). One of these functions like the shoulder, one like the knee and one connects the two. On the inside and outside of the humerus there is a bony elevation, the so-called epicondylus medialis. Painful irritation occurs at these points in tennis elbow.

The special thing about the elbow is the forces that act on it. Because the joint is small but the arm is long, the lever arms of the muscles play a major role. Every weight that is lifted is multiplied in the elbow joint.

Extension in the elbow is performed by the triceps muscle. It runs from the shoulder blade and upper arm bone down to the back of the upper arm and to the tip of the elbow. Flexion of the elbow is essentially performed by the biceps muscle.

What are common elbow complaints?

Elbow pain occurs frequently and can have various causes. An accurate diagnosis of the symptoms is important.

Elbow osteoarthritis is one of the most common elbow complaints. This is usually caused by an accident. If a bone fracture occurs, the two joint partners are no longer in alignment and the cartilage is worn away. Osteoarthritis leads to inflammation, or arthritis, in the elbow joint. This can express all five typical signs of inflammation: Pain, swelling, overheating (inflammation), redness and loss of function.

If pain occurs on the outside of the elbow, tennis elbow is suspected. Overloading or overuse of the forearm muscles leads to painful irritation of the tendon insertions. Pain on the inside of the elbow, similar to tennis elbow, is called golfer's elbow and is treated identically.

The tendons attached to the elbow can suffer from tendinitis. The biceps tendon (in front of the joint) or the triceps tendon (at the back of the joint) are particularly affected.

Our range of treatments

The following treatments are included in the spectrum of our elbow operations:

• Arthroscopy of the elbow joint
• Treatment of elbow arthrosis
• Elbow prosthesis
• Removal of free joint bodies
• Surgical treatment of fractures of the elbow and forearm
• Tennis elbow / tennis elbow and similar tendon attachment problems
• Nerve displacement
• Treatment of movement restrictions

Arthroscopy of the elbow joint

In recent years, elbow arthroscopy has contributed to improved treatment options and major advances.

Arthroscopy is a joint-preserving operation and is also known as arthroscopy. An arthoroscope, usually consisting of an optical system of rod lenses, a light source and an irrigation and suction device, is inserted into the elbow joint space through two small incisions in the skin. This allows the elbow to be examined directly on an external monitor and treated immediately if necessary.

Book a consultation appointment

Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer is an experienced FMH specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery.

We guarantee rapid, expert clarification and advice as well as treatment using the most modern methods.

Book your appointment directly online here or call us on +41 44 388 16 16. You are also welcome to come to us for a second opinion.