gomito

Gomito is the Italian term for the elbow, the joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm. It functions as a hinge joint with three connected components: the humero-ulnar, humero-radial, and proximal radioulnar joints. The elbow region houses key bony landmarks such as the olecranon and coronoid processes of the ulna, the trochlea and capitulum of the humerus, and the head of the radius. Stability is provided by a capsule, several ligaments (notably the ulnar collateral and radial collateral ligaments), and surrounding muscles.

Anatomically, the elbow enables primarily flexion and extension, with additional forearm rotation (pronation and supination) facilitated by the proximal radioulnar joint. The triceps brachii, biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis muscles contribute to movement and stability, while nerves such as the median and ulnar nerves and the brachial artery run near the joint.

Clinical significance includes a range of injuries and conditions. Common issues involve fractures around the elbow (such as olecranon or distal humerus fractures), elbow dislocations, and tendinopathies like lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) or medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). Degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis can affect the joint, and pediatric injuries often include supracondylar fractures.

Diagnosis relies on clinical examination complemented by imaging (X-rays, and sometimes MRI or CT as needed). Treatment varies with the condition and may include rest, physical therapy, analgesia, or operative intervention for fractures or dislocations.