Assistant
Definition
By Gregory R. Waryasz, MD
The elbow joint cartilage of the musculoskeletal system is characterized by its location.
It is part of the elbow joint. It consists of hyaline cartilage.
Its unique structural feature is that it is located on the on the articulating components of the elbow including the trochlea, capitellum, trochlear notch of the ulna, and the radial head.. It is primarily made up of type II collagen. The components are hydroxyproline, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans arranged in layers to provide strength.
The elbow joint cartilage as well as all other bones, muscles, and ligaments of the body are derived of mesodermal origin in the embryo.
The function of the cartilage is to provide a smooth gliding surface for joint motion by decreasing the coefficient of friction. A small layer of fluid also lubricates the articulating surfaces.
Common diseases include arthritis/degenerative joint disease (DJD), osteochondritis dissecans, Panner disease, and cartilage tears.
Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition where a piece of cartilage and a piece of the bone beneath it become loose due to avascular necrosis of the subchondral bone.
Osteochondrosis of the capitellum in children is known as Panner disease.
Commonly used diagnostic procedures include clinical history, physical exam, x-ray, CT scan, and MRI.
It is usually treated with physical therapy and NSAIDs. Arthritis can also be treated with replacements and arthroscopy. Osteochondritis dissecans can be treated non-operatively or the fragments can be removed with surgery.
References
Elstrom J, Virkus W, Pankovich (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), McGraw Hill, New York, NY, 2006.
Koval K, Zuckerman J (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.
Lieberman J (ed), AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008.
Moore K, Dalley A (eds), Clinically Oriented Anatomy (5th edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.