What is the blood supply to the elbow?

The elbow's blood supply is derived from an extensive network of anastomoses (connections) around the joint, primarily from branches of the brachial artery and the radial and ulnar arteries.

Major Arterial Contributors

Here's a breakdown of the key arteries that contribute to the elbow's vascular supply:

• Brachial Artery: This is the main artery of the upper arm, and it branches into several arteries that supply the elbow:

  • Profunda Brachii Artery: Gives rise to the middle collateral artery and the radial collateral artery.
    • Radial Collateral Artery: Anastomoses with the radial recurrent artery.
    • Middle Collateral Artery: Anastomoses with the interosseous recurrent artery.
  • Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery: Anastomoses with the posterior ulnar recurrent artery.
  • Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery: Anastomoses with the anterior ulnar recurrent artery.

• Radial Artery: A major artery of the forearm.

  • Radial Recurrent Artery: Anastomoses with the radial collateral artery from the profunda brachii artery, supplying the elbow joint and surrounding muscles (brachialis, brachioradialis).

• Ulnar Artery: Another major artery of the forearm.

  • Anterior Ulnar Recurrent Artery: Ascends anterior to the medial epicondyle and anastomoses with the inferior ulnar collateral artery.
  • Posterior Ulnar Recurrent Artery: Ascends posterior to the medial epicondyle and anastomoses with the superior ulnar collateral artery.
  • Interosseous Recurrent Artery: Arises from the common interosseous artery (a branch of the ulnar artery) and anastomoses with the middle collateral artery from the profunda brachii artery.

Importance of Anastomoses

This rich network of anastomoses around the elbow joint is crucial for:

• Maintaining blood supply: If one artery becomes blocked or injured, the others can provide collateral circulation to ensure adequate blood flow to the elbow and forearm.
• Supporting movement: The anastomoses accommodate the changes in blood vessel length and position during elbow flexion and extension.

In summary, the blood supply to the elbow is a complex yet robust system involving contributions from the brachial, radial, and ulnar arteries and their branches, connected by numerous anastomoses. The radial recurrent artery is a particularly significant contributor.