[Distribution of cartilage thickness in the proximal part of the human elbow joint. A functional analysis].

The distribution of cartilage thickness was analysed in the proximal part of 10 human elbow joints. Regional differences in the thickness of the cartilaginous covering could be ascertained. The boundary between trochlea humeri and capitulum humeri generally showed a thickened cartilage covering, which is gradually reduced to the border of the joint surface. In the dorsolateral part of the capitulum and in the dorsal area of the trochlea the cartilage is thinned. Besides the distribution patterns of the individual subjects an average distribution is computed. The findings are opposed to the stressing of the elbow joint paying most regard to the position and size of the resultant force. According to the conceptions of the causal histogenesis and preservation of mesenchymal supporting tissues (Pauwels 1960), areas with a thick cartilage covering are led back to an increased functional stressing, whereas thinned out areas represent the result of a diminished functional stressing.