Elbow is the joint where your upper arm and forearm connect, and is made up of three bones; the radius, ulna, and humerus. According to many experts, the elbows are among the strongest joints in the human body because they can deliver strikes that are even more powerful than punches and kicks. You must have heard about elbow strikes and their potential power. Let us find out the answer to the question; is elbow the strongest bone in your body? And if so, can it undergo fractures and injuries?
Let us get into details on the anatomy of the elbows and the fractures associated with them.
About Elbows
The elbow is a movable joint consisting of three bones with cartilage-covered ends. Because cartilage has a springy texture, joints can move smoothly against one another and can absorb severe hits on it.
The ligaments present around to make up the joint capsule and hold the bones together. The purpose of the elbow joint is to allow the arm to extend, flex, grab, and reach for objects. It has a range of motion from 0 degrees of extension to 150 degrees of flexion.
Also read: Bone Fracture – Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention
Types of Bones and Articulations in Elbows
The three bones that make up the elbow’s hinged joint are;
- Humerus
- Ulna
- Radius
The elbow joint is the culmination of three articulations, as explained below;
- The first articulation is about the trochlea of the humeral condyle and the trochlear notch of the ulna, articulating at the synovial hinge joint, which is known as the humeroulnar articulation.
- The second articulation is the humeroradial articulation which is an articulation between the capitulum of the humeral condyle and the concavity on the superior aspect of the head of the radius.
- The third articulation starts with a pivot-type synovial joint where the ulna’s radial notch and the head of the radius articulate.
What Makes Elbows So Powerful and Strong?
Now, let us see the reason behind the strength and power of the elbow joints. The reason is that the elbow has the power to forcefully strike a person or a thing.
The area closest to the elbow joint is excellent at crushing something hard according to the studies. That’s why it is considered a very powerful and effective tool for attacking and self-defense.
Did you know Elbow Strikes are more Powerful than Punching and Kicking?
- Elbow strikes can be used for fighting on the ground or while standing and have the potential to knock out an opponent.
- It is more effective than even punching and kicking, which produce less forceful strikes as compared to elbow strikes, according to a study performed.
- Because of this impactful elbow strike, they are regarded as the strongest parts of the human body.
How much Force does an Elbow Strike contain?
- Around 80% of the body’s force for an elbow strike comes from the hips and core rotation created by torque and pivoting.
- The remaining 20% is just shoulder usage. They develop and generate the momentum necessary to deliver a knockout, lacerations, or serious injury when combined with a deliberate angle of attack.
- The throat, temple, mandible, or eye socket are some areas of your body that can get more easily hurt by elbow strikes.
Can your Elbows undergo Fractures?
Yes, even though they are so strong, elbows can occasionally get fractured. Elbow fractures may be extremely painful and take considerable time to heal.
Following are some of the potential causes of an elbow fracture, as reported by experts;
- Falls on the elbow
- Receives direct elbow hits
- Outstretched hand when the elbow is facing the fall
These causes could have catastrophic effects on your elbows, such as elbow fractures and bone breakage.
Elbow Fractures and their Symptoms
Elbow fractures, also known as olecranon fractures, are frequent, accounting for 10% of all fractures around the elbow. They entail trauma to the bony tip of the elbow, called the olecranon process.
Simple transverse fractures, oblique fractures, and comminuted fractures are all different types of elbow fractures. The signs of an elbow fracture consist of;
- Swelling and bruising around the elbow
- Tenderness
- Pain with movement of the joint
- Numbness in the fingers
- Sudden acute pain with difficulty to straighten the elbow
Diagnosis of an Elbow Fracture
Diagnosing an elbow fracture involves
- After acquiring a thorough medical history, doctors will physically examine the elbow and arm.
- They will look for cuts and abrasions on the skin as bone fragments can pierce through the skin at the elbow joint in more serious fractures.
Other examinations may include;
- Examining the sensation in the fingers and arms.
- Testing other areas of the arm to rule out associated injuries.
- In order to aid in surgical treatments, X-ray images or radiographs can give a clearer picture of the underlying damage to the bones and joints. They can also help identify the type of fracture.
- To help with preoperative planning, computer tomography (CT) scans can also be used in conjunction with X-rays.
Treatment Options for an Elbow Fracture
For an elbow fracture, there are both non-surgical and surgical treatments available. The degree of elbow fractures determines the course of treatment.
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are advised by doctors to treat the symptoms of pain. Ice packs should also be applied to minimize swelling.
- Non-surgical treatment for non-displaced fractures frequently entails immobilizing the elbow at 45° to 90° flexion, using a cast or splints. Typically, splints must be worn for three to six weeks to ensure the efficacy of treatment.
- Exercises may be advised by your physical therapist to increase the range of motion and facilitate movement of the elbows. Consult a physiotherapist from Marham to know more.
Surgical Treatment
For displaced and open elbow fractures, surgery is typically recommended.
The surgical procedures mostly commonly employed are;
1. Internal Fixation or Tension Band Fixation
For the treatment of non-comminuted transverse elbow fractures, this method is frequently employed. Surgeons perform this treatment with metal plates known as tension bands, wires, screws, or pins to hold the bone fragments together.
2. Plate and Screw Fixation
Comminuted elbow fractures, Monteggia fractures, fracture dislocations, and oblique fractures are all treated using this technique. When compared to the tension band, this treatment gives the bones additional stability.
3. Intramedullary Fixation
This technique is similar to tension band fixation. It is used to fix oblique and transverse fractures. For these fractures, Dr. Attiq Ur Rehman is the most well-known orthopedic surgeon. To schedule a meeting with him, click here.
4. Bone Graft
When bone pieces are not completely healed, bone grafts are performed. You can get a bone graft from the hip bones of the patient himself, or from a donor.
To fix the fracture, artificial materials that are biocompatible are used inside the fracture area.
5. Excision and Triceps Advancement
Patients who have osteoporosis and who belong to an older population are advised to have this surgical procedure.
Nonabsorbable sutures are used in this procedure to rejoin the triceps tendon through drill holes in the ulna of the elbow.
Ending Notes
Even though elbow joints are strong, they can still undergo a fracture under some circumstances. Therefore, taking good care of your bone health is important.
You should consult a specialist if you or anybody in your family is experiencing pain in your elbows. Marham offers a list of experienced male and female doctors available for orthopedic care in Pakistan. Click here to schedule a meeting or call the Marham helpline at 042-32591427.
FAQs
1. Is an elbow strike more powerful than a punch?
Although punches are strong, they are not nearly as effective as an elbow strike. An elbow is made up of one joint and three bones, while a fist, used for a punch, is made up of several bones fused together. Hence, elbows concentrate a great deal of power even in a casual strike and can cause skin bruising and bone fractures.
2. Which is harder knee or the elbow?
Studies infer that the elbow is harder and has better strength than the knee because of the effective strikes produced by elbows.
3. What is the weakest bone in your body?
The weakest and softest bone in your body is the collar bone. Because it is a tiny bone and it is easier and simple to shatter.