Kinematics and biomechanics of the elbow

An attempt has been made to describe the interaction of the different joint morphologies and the ligaments of the elbow in terms of the current litera ture. The physics of joint kinematics and biomechanics will be dicussed and used to resolve current incomplete interpretations. The elbow is a very stable functional unit due to its bony tracking and "se lf-stabilising" ability especially in the humeroradial joint. In reconstruc tion and in total joint replacement, the different radii of curvature of th e various surfaces have to be respected to redevelop full joint function.