Capitulum Of The Humerus, Anterior View

Description

Capitulum humeri occupies the anterolateral aspect of the distal humerus, forming the rounded articular eminence that faces anteriorly and slightly inferiorly toward the radial head. Medial to it, the trochlea projects more distally, while the lateral epicondyle sits proximal and lateral as a nonarticular prominence for the common extensor origin. The radial fossa lies superior to the capitulum on the anterior surface, a shallow depression that accommodates the radial head in full flexion. Bony margins and articular curvature are the focus. Radiocapitellar congruence matters in both trauma and overuse, because loss of the smooth anterior contour can signal capitellar shear fractures (often Coronal-plane injuries after a fall on an outstretched hand) or osteochondritis dissecans in adolescent throwers and gymnasts. An anterior perspective lets you read the lateral column of the distal humerus in one frame, comparing the capitulum’s spherical arc with the adjacent trochlear spool and the relief of the radial fossa. Small details count. This is also the surface assessed when teaching why the capitulum articulates with the radial head, not the ulna, and how malreduction can produce radiocapitellar subluxation even when the ulnohumeral joint appears aligned. Use this illustration for elbow and upper limb osteology modules, for orthopaedic and emergency medicine teaching on distal humerus fracture patterns, and for surgical anatomy figures discussing lateral (Kocher) exposure landmarks near the capitulum and lateral epicondyle. It also fits radiology education when correlating the bony anatomy to the radiocapitellar line on lateral elbow radiographs. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.