1. Elbow Wrist and Hand
The aim of this lesson is introduce learners to the anatomy of the elbow, wrist and hand

2. classify and describe the articulations of the elbow, wrist and hand
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session learners will be able to;
classify and describe the articulations of the elbow, wrist and hand
name the movements available at the elbow, wrist and hand joint
identify the common bony prominences that aid palpation on a human subject
identify and palpate the muscles of the elbow, wrist and hand on a human subject

3. THE ELBOW JOINT
The elbow joint is made up of the humerus, radius and ulna. It is a synovial hinge joint that allows for flexion and extension of the elbow
The humerus and ulnar articulate to form the humeroulnar joint.
The humerus and radius articulate to form the humeroradial joint.

4. THE ELBOW JOINT (cont)
Inferior to the true elbow joint, the proximal radius articulates with the ulna to form the radioulnar joint
This is a synovial pivot joint and allows pronation and supination of the forearm

5. medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus olecranon process
Palpation of bony prominences
medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus
olecranon process
radial and ulna styloid process
scaphoid (one of the carpal bones)

6. Bony prominences of elbow and radioulnar joint

7. Ligaments of the elbow joint
The elbow joint is contained in a synovial capsule that provides stability.
Additional stability is provided by ligaments;
Annular ligament – stabilises radius against ulna during pronation and supination
Ulnar collateral ligament –stabilises the humerus to the ulna

8. Ligaments of the elbow joint
The radiocollateral ligament runs from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus to the proximal radius
It stabilises the humerus and radius at the elbow joint
Together, these ligaments helpt to prevent unwanted sideways movement of the elbow.

9. Movement of the elbow and radioulnar joint

10. THE WRIST JOINT The wrist is a synovial condyloid joint
The true wrist joint is formed by the radius and carpal bones of the hand
There are 8 carpal bones in two rows of 4. It is the proximal carpal bones that articulate with the distal radius to form the wrist joint
The radius and ulna also articulate at their distal ends
Scaphoid

11. Movements of the wrist The wrist also allows for limited circumduction
Radial deviation is also known as abduction of the wrist
Ulnar deviation is also known as adduction of the wrist

12. THE HAND
The hand has many similarities to the structure of the foot
Carpometacarpal joints – formed between carpals and metacarpals
Metacarpophalangeal joints – formed between metacarpals and phalanges
Phalanges (14) – each finger has 3 phalanges (the thumb has 2)

13. Movements of the hand

14. maintaining the elbow in a flexed position
Assessment of the Elbow, Wrist and Hand
Observation
maintaining the elbow in a flexed position
maintaining the wrist in a flexed position
positioning of the thumbs and fingers
condition and shape of the knuckles

15. Elbow flexion extension supination pronation Wrist flexion extension
Range of Movement (ROM)
Elbow
flexion
extension
supination
pronation
Wrist
flexion
extension
abduction
adduction
Hand
finger flexion
finger extension
abduction
adduction

16. Palpation
All of the soft tissues related to the elbow, wrist and hand need to be palpated to identify areas of pain inflammation and muscular tonicity.

17. Special Tests
Phalen’s Test

18. Functional Tests
picking up items
putting down items
typing