Radius – head

Radius - head

Anatomy

Almost cylindrical, articulates with humerus at capitulum, and ulna at radial notch (proximal radioulnar joint). Radiohumeral joint is hinge; movement is flexion-extension.

Proximal radioulnar joint is pivot; movement is rotation of radial head inside ring formed by radial notch of ulna and annular ligament.

Clinical

Radial head is proximal and articulates with a notch on the ulna (proximal radioulnar joint – pivot); ulnar head is distal and articulates with a notch on the radius (distal radioulnar joint – pivot).

Nursemaid’s elbow; dislocation of head of radius usually in young child, caused by sudden tug or pull on arm.

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