Capitellum

The capitellum, also refered to as the capitulum, is the lateral part of the humeral condyle that articulates with the radial head.

Gross anatomy

The capitellum is only the anterior and inferior part of the lateral humeral condyle. Between it and the radius usually lies a synovial fold. The capitellum should be located such that a radiocapitellar line can be drawn through it from the radius.  Blood is supplied by perforating vessels from the recurrent radial artery, however, there can be perforating vessels from the interosseus recurrent and/or radial collateral arteries as well .

Variant anatomy

Psuedodefect of the capitellum is an anatomic variant.

Development

The capitellum is the first ossification center in the elbow to ossify if development of the joint is normal. This center should have become apparent by two years of age.

History and etymology

Capitellum is derived from the Latin word for head, caput, and the suffix ellum, which is diminuitive; thus the word could be interpreted to imply a little head.

Related pathology

• Osborne-Cotterill lesion
• Panner disease
• capitellum fractures

Siehe auch:

• Aseptische Nekrose des Capitulum humeri
• Ossifikationszentrum Capitulum humeri
• Articulatio humeroradialis

und weiter:

• Humeroradialgelenk