Articular capsule of elbow joint

Looks like

A single capsule wrapping the three joints of the elbow, thin at the front and back, thickened at the sides by ligaments.

What it does

Encloses the joint fluid while letting the elbow bend and the forearm turn.

Keeping it well

Stiffens easily after injury. After a fall, a swollen elbow that will not straighten suggests a fracture.

Related conditions

• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Gout
• Haemophilia & bleeding disorders
• Lyme disease
• Marfan syndrome & connective tissue disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatic fever & rheumatic heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Temporomandibular joint disorder