The elbow joint is a typical compound joint, being formed by the association of the lower end of the humerus with the upper ends of the radius and ulna, and so consisting of three articulations. The three articulations share a common articular capsule, which is roomy and relaxed, particularly in front and behind. The humero-radial portion of the elbow joint involves the capitulum of the humerus with the depressed distal surface on the head of the radius. The humeroradial articulation is not involved in the hinge movement at the elbow, since the ends of the respective bones are scarcely in contact during flexion. The humero-radial articulation is only passively involved in the pivot movement of the proximal radio-ulnar joint, since the radius rotates in the socket about its long axis, and the actual pivot movement takes place in the proximal and distal radio-ulnar articulations.

Articulatio humeroradialis

Articulation huméroradiale