The elbow has a hard end feel in extension because the olecranon process contacts which structure?

The elbow has a hard end feel in extension because the olecranon process contacts which structure?

• A. Olecranon fossa
• B. Coronoid fossa
• C. Capitulum
• D. Trochlea

Answer: (A)

Hard end feel in elbow extension comes from direct bony contact. As you straighten the elbow, the olecranon process of the ulna moves into the olecranon fossa on the posterior distal humerus. That precise contact creates a firm, bony stop that limits further extension. The coronoid fossa is on the anterior humerus and receives the coronoid process during flexion, so it doesn’t limit extension. The capitulum articulates with the head of the radius and isn’t the primary end-point in full extension. The trochlea does articulate with the ulna, but the specific hard end feel in extension is due to the olecranon contacting the olecranon fossa.

Hard end feel in elbow extension comes from direct bony contact. As you straighten the elbow, the olecranon process of the ulna moves into the olecranon fossa on the posterior distal humerus. That precise contact creates a firm, bony stop that limits further extension. The coronoid fossa is on the anterior humerus and receives the coronoid process during flexion, so it doesn’t limit extension. The capitulum articulates with the head of the radius and isn’t the primary end-point in full extension. The trochlea does articulate with the ulna, but the specific hard end feel in extension is due to the olecranon contacting the olecranon fossa.