Female Elbow, Lateral View

Description

Seen from the lateral aspect, the distal humerus aligns with the proximal ulna and radius to form the humeroulnar and humeroradial articulations, with the capitulum positioned anterolateral to the trochlea. The radial head sits immediately inferior to the capitulum, while the olecranon process projects posteriorly to cup the trochlea during extension. Along the lateral margin of the joint, the lateral epicondyle lies proximal to the radial head, a bony landmark for the common extensor tendon origin and the lateral collateral ligament complex. Lateral elbow anatomy matters because it is the working view for both bedside examination and image interpretation when pain localizes to the radiocapitellar joint or the lateral epicondyle. This perspective supports teaching of posterolateral rotatory instability, where disruption of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament permits pathologic supination-external rotation of the ulna relative to the humerus and produces a characteristic pivot-shift phenomenon. It also frames common lateral compartment injuries, from occult radial head fractures after a fall on an outstretched hand to extensor tendinopathy at the lateral epicondyle. Use this plate in upper limb gross anatomy labs, orthopedic teaching files, and medical publisher content covering elbow biomechanics, lateral approach landmarks, and correlation with lateral radiographs. It also fits patient-education materials for lateral epicondylitis or radial head fracture workups where clear surface-to-bone relationships help explain exam maneuvers and treatment decisions. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.