Ulna

Last revised by Francis Deng on 19 Sep 2021

The ulna (plural: ulnae) is one of the two long bones of the forearm, located medially in the supinated anatomic position. It has a larger proximal end and tapers to a smaller distal end (opposite to the radius).

Prominent features of the ulna include:

  • proximal: olecranon, trochlear notch, coronoid process, radial notch (lateral), sublime tubercle (medial)
  • shaft: ulnar tuberosity
  • distal: head, styloid process, fovea, groove for extensor carpi ulnaris

Anteriorly

Posteriorly

  • proximal:
    • medial collateral ligaments of the elbow
      • anterior band: inferior medial epicondyle to the sublime tubercle
      • posterior band: medial epicondyle to the medial olecranon
      • middle band (transverse or Cooper ligament): medial olecranon to the medial coronoid process
    • anterior and posterior capsular ligaments of the elbow
  • medial:
    • anterior and posterior attachments of the annular ligament
    • quadrate ligament
    • oblique cord
    • interosseous membrane
  • distal:
    • triangular fibrocartilage
    • ulnar collateral ligament of the wrist

The ulna and its attachments help to divide the forearm into anterior and posterior compartments

Its subcutaneous border lies posteromedially and the antebrachial fascia attaches on either end. 

Its interosseous border (anterolaterally) is attached to the interosseous membrane of the forearm.

The ulna is supplied by the ulnar artery and its continuation as the common interosseous artery with its branches, the anterior and posterior interosseous arteries.

Lymphatics of the hand and forearm drain either to the supratrochlear lymph node or directly into the lateral group of axillary lymph nodes.

The periosteum is supplied anteriorly by the anterior interosseous nerve (branch of median nerve).

Posteriorly, the periosteum is supplied by the posterior interosseous nerve (branch of radial nerve).

Carrying angle of the elbow of 15-20°. Increased in females.

Intracartilaginous ossification begins in utero. Ossification centers include:

  • shaft/diaphysis (8 weeks gestation)
  • distal (5-7 years > 16-18 years)
  • proximal (8-10 years > 13-15 years)

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