Neuroanatomical distribution of sensory receptors in the human elbow joint capsule

BackgroundThe topographic arrangement of sensory receptors in the human elbow joint capsule is pertinent to their role in the transmission of neural signals. The signals from stimuli in the joint are concisely delivered via afferent pathways to allow recognition of pain and proprioception. Sensory receptors in the elbow joint include mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings acting as nociceptors, although the distribution of each of the structures has not been determined, despite their importance for the integrity of the joint. We therefore aimed to investigate the neuroanatomical distribution and densities of mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings in the capsule of the elbow, at the same time as considering surgical approaches that would result in the minimum insult to them.MethodsFour elbow joint capsules were harvested from fresh cadavers. The specimens were carefully separated from adjacent osteoligamentous attachments and the capsular complex was stained with a modified gold chloride method. Evaluati...