Gelenkränder

Gelenk surfaces are the parts of bones that come together to form a joint. These surfaces are typically covered with hyaline cartilage, a smooth, slippery tissue that reduces friction and allows for effortless movement. The shape of the articular surfaces plays a crucial role in determining the type and range of motion of a joint. For example, the ball-and-socket joint of the hip has a large, rounded femoral head that fits into a deep acetabulum, allowing for extensive movement in multiple planes. In contrast, the hinge joint of the elbow has a trochlea and trochlear notch that permit flexion and extension but limit rotation. The stability of a joint is also influenced by the congruence of its articular surfaces. A greater degree of congruence, where the surfaces fit together more closely, generally leads to a more stable joint. Factors such as age, disease, and injury can alter the structure and function of articular surfaces, leading to joint pain and dysfunction.