Sensory innervation of the human elbow joint and surgical considerations

Based on the currently available literature, total denervation of the elbow joint is considered impossible. However, consensus with respect to the anatomic location of sensory branches is lacking. The aim of this literature review was to establish consensus with respect to the anatomic features of the articular branches innervating the elbow joint, as well as the distribution of sensory receptors about its capsule. Four electronic databases were queried, between January 1945 and June 2019. Twenty-one original articles providing a detailed description of the distribution of sensory receptors about the elbow joint capsule (5) and its articular branches (16) were reviewed. The posterior capsule was found to be primarily innervated by the ulnar and radial nerves via combined articular branches and sensory branches of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve. The anterior capsule was found to be primarily innervated by a plexus of articular ramifications from muscular branches of mixed nerves (ulnar, musculocutaneous, radial, and median nerves). A higher density of nociceptors and mechano-receptors was identified within the posterior and anterior capsules, respectively. Thorough denervation, via the technique proposed herein, is likely to be sufficient in eliminating pain from degenerative conditions of the elbow joint.