Classification of Joints

Classification of Joints

1. Fibrous Joints

2. Synovial Joints

   • Hinge
     • permits movement in one plane – usually flexion and extension.
       • E.g. elbow joint, ankle joint, knee joint.
   • Saddle
     • Named due to its resemblance to a saddle on a horse’s back. It is characterised by opposing articular surfaces with a reciprocal concave-convex shape.
       • E.g. carpometacarpal joints.
   • Plane
     • the articular surfaces are relatively flat, allowing the bones to glide over one another.
       • E.g. sternoclavicular joint, acromioclavicular joint, subtalar joint.
   • Pivot
     • allows for rotation only. It is formed by a central bony pivot, which is surrounded by a bony-ligamentous ring
       • E.g. proximal and distal radioulnar joints, atlantoaxial joint.
   • Condyloid
     • contains a convex surface which articulates with a concave elliptical cavity. They are also known as ellipsoid joints.
       • E.g. wrist joint, metacarpophalangeal joint, metatarsophalangeal joint.
   • Ball and Socket
     • Where the ball-shaped surface of one rounded bone fits into the cup-like depression of another bone. It permits free movement in numerous axes.
       • E.g. hip joint, shoulder joint.

3. Cartilaginous Joints