Capitulum Of The Humerus, Anterior View

Description

Capitulum humeri occupies the lateral margin of the distal humerus, and in anterior aspect it appears as a smooth, convex articular knob positioned inferior to the lateral supracondylar ridge and lateral epicondyle. Medial to it, the trochlea projects more distally and transitions toward the medial epicondyle, establishing the asymmetric contour that guides ulnohumeral alignment at the elbow. Superior to the capitulum, the radial fossa forms a shallow depression for the anterior rim of the radial head during flexion, while the coronoid fossa sits superior to the trochlea and is separated from the radial fossa by a subtle bony ridge. Bone texture and the crisp cartilage margin define the radiocapitellar surface. A fixed anterior viewpoint. Radiocapitellar congruence matters in both trauma and chronic lateral elbow pain, because subtle step-offs at the capitulum can block motion or accelerate chondral wear after radial head fracture-dislocation patterns. Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, classically in adolescent overhead athletes and gymnasts, localizes to the anterolateral capitellar cartilage where compressive forces peak, and an anterior perspective helps you explain why loose bodies and catching often correlate with flexion loading. The relationship between capitulum, trochlea, and the fossae also supports teaching of distal humeral landmarks used on radiographs, including the expected position of the radial head relative to the capitellum on a true lateral elbow. Use this illustration in upper limb anatomy labs, orthopedic teaching files on elbow stability, and figure plates discussing radiocapitellar biomechanics, capitellar OCD, and distal humerus fracture classification. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.