armbågs

Armbågs is the term used to refer to the elbow region, particularly in Swedish medical terminology, and appears in compound terms such as armbågsfraktur or armbågsled. The elbow is a hinge-type synovial joint that enables flexion and extension, aided by rotation in the forearm via the proximal radioulnar joint.

Anatomy. It involves three bones: the humerus, radius, and ulna. The primary joints are the humero-ulnar, humero-radial, and the proximal radioulnar joint, with stability provided by the lateral and medial collateral ligaments, the annular ligament, and the joint capsule. A bursa over the olecranon may become inflamed or swollen in some conditions.

Muscles and nerves. Major elbow-moving muscles include the flexors such as biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis, and the extensors such as triceps brachii. Nerves crossing the area are the median, radial, and ulnar nerves, with the brachial artery providing most of the blood supply to the region.

Common conditions. The elbow is susceptible to fractures (for example of the olecranon or radial head), dislocations, and tendinopathies such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). Olecranon bursitis and osteoarthritis are other relevant conditions, and imaging is used to assess suspected injuries.

Diagnostics and treatment. Initial assessment relies on clinical examination and X-ray imaging; MRI or CT may be used for complex injuries. Treatment ranges from rest, immobilization, and physical therapy to surgical options such as open reduction and internal fixation, radial head replacement, or elbow arthroplasty, depending on the specific condition and severity.