Humerus Showing The Olecranon Fossa, Posterior View

Description

Humerus anatomy dominates this posterior elbow illustration, centered on the olecranon fossa on the distal humerus. The fossa lies superior to the trochlea and is bordered medially by the medial epicondyle and laterally by the lateral epicondyle, with the supracondylar ridges extending proximally on either side. From this posterior perspective, the distal shaft tapers into the supracondylar region, and the articular contour of the trochlea is read as the inferior bony margin immediately deep to the fossa. Bony relief is the message. Clinically, the olecranon fossa is the receiving socket for the ulna’s olecranon during terminal elbow extension, and its size and cortical margins matter in trauma and reconstruction. Supracondylar and intercondylar distal humerus fractures, as well as posterior osteophytes in valgus extension overload (common in throwing athletes), can encroach on this space and limit extension. The fixed posterior orientation also supports teaching of safe hardware placement and contouring for distal humerus plates, where the relationship between the fossa, the medial column, and the lateral column guides screw trajectories and helps avoid intra-articular penetration. Use this illustration in gross anatomy labs when introducing the distal humerus, in orthopaedic teaching files for distal humerus fracture patterns (AO/OTA) and post-traumatic stiffness, and in surgical technique manuals discussing posterior approaches to the elbow and olecranon osteotomy exposure. It also suits exam prep material that tests landmark identification of the epicondyles, trochlea, and olecranon fossa on an isolated bone. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.