What is capitellum fracture?
Fracture of the capitellum is an intra-articular fracture of the elbow, analogous to the Hoffa fracture of the knee. It is a rare fracture which represents an injury to the lateral column of the distal humerus. The mechanism of injury is usually an axial loading through the radial head [3].
Where is the capitellum bone?
In human anatomy of the arm, the capitulum of the humerus is a smooth, rounded eminence on the lateral portion of the distal articular surface of the humerus. It articulates with the cupshaped depression on the head of the radius, and is limited to the front and lower part of the bone.
What is a radial dislocation?
A: No, they are two different types of a similar injury. A person with a radial head subluxation has a partial dislocation, where the annular ligament that holds the radial bone in place at the elbow has slipped over the top of the bone. A dislocation is where the affected bone is forced completely out of position.
What is the function of capitulum?
The elbow is both a hinge and pivot joint, allowing the arm to bend as well as turn the hand and wrist. The capitellum plays a significant role in the pivot function of the elbow, creating the “ball” of the pivoting ball-and-socket part of the elbow joint. Fractures to this portion of the humerus are rare.
Is the capitellum cartilage?
There are two cartilage-covered parts of the end on the humerus: The trochlea on the inside of the elbow. The capitellum on the outside of the elbow.
What are the trochlea and capitulum?
The trochlea and capitulum are the rounded, smooth, knuckle-like surfaces at the anterior and distal end of the humerus. The elbow flexes and extends around these structures. Two outcroppings of bone flank the trochlea and capitulum.
What does osteochondritis mean?
Overview. Osteochondritis dissecans (os-tee-o-kon-DRY-tis DIS-uh-kanz) is a joint condition in which bone underneath the cartilage of a joint dies due to lack of blood flow. This bone and cartilage can then break loose, causing pain and possibly hindering joint motion.
What is dislocation of the radial head?
Radial head dislocation occurs when the radial head is displaced from its normal articulation with the ulna and the humerus. The dislocation may be acquired or congenital (see the separate article on congenital radial head dislocation).
Where is the radial tuberosity?
The radial tuberosity (bicipital tuberosity) is a blunt, rugose, variably shaped structure on the anteromedial side of the proximal radius.
Is the capitulum anterior or posterior?
Immediately lateral to the trochlea is the capitulum (“small head”), a knob-like structure located on the anterior surface of the distal humerus. The capitulum articulates with the radius bone of the forearm.
What is a capitellum fracture?
Capitellum Fractures are traumatic intra-articular elbow injuries involving the distal humerus at the capitellum. Diagnosis is made using plain radiographs of the elbow. Treatment may be nonoperative for nondisplaced fractures but any displacement generally requires anatomic open reduction and internal fixation.
What is Type 3 capitellum displacement?
– Minimally displaced – Fracture extends to the articular surface, but the capitellum is not rotated or significantly displaced • Type 3 – Completely displaced – Fracture extends to the articular surface, and the capitellum is rotated and significantly displaced Jakob.
What is the definition of capitellum in anatomy?
Define capitellum. capitellum synonyms, capitellum pronunciation, capitellum translation, English dictionary definition of capitellum. n. pl. cap·i·tel·la Anatomy The rounded protuberance at the lower end of the humerus that articulates with the radius.
Which imaging modalities are used to diagnose capitellum fractures?
The radial head-capitellum view provides better delineation of small fracture fragments and nondisplaced capitellum fractures than conventional x-rays. Advanced imaging modalities are often useful to further define the fracture pattern. CT provides high resolution of capitellum fractures.