[Kinematics and biomechanics of the elbow joint]

An attempt has been made to describe the interaction of the different joint morphologies and the ligaments of the elbow in terms of the current literature. The physics of joint kinematics and biomechanics will be discussed and used to resolve current incomplete interpretations. The elbow is a very stable functional unit due to its bony tracking and "self-stabilising" ability especially in the humeroradial joint. In reconstruction and in total joint replacement, the different radii of curvature of the various surfaces have to be respected to redevelop full joint function.