Locate the anterior aspect of Ulna. A good landmark is the trochlear notch. When viewed anteriorly, the radial notch point to the side the bone is from, i.e. left ulna will have the radial notch (see below) on the left … Continue reading Ulna – Left/Right
Locate the anterior aspect of the radius bone. At the distal end, the anterior aspect will be smoother than the posterior aspect (there is the dorsal tubercle, a bump). When viewed anteriorly, the radial tubercle towards the proximal end will … Continue reading Radius – Left/Right
Scapula, also known as the “shoulder blade,” is part of the shoulder girdle and connect the clavicle to the humerus. 4 of the muscles originated from the scapula (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Subscapularis and Teres Minor) form the rotator cuff that surrounds … Continue reading Scapula
Identify the olecranon fossa that should belong to the posterior side of the humerus With the olecranon fossa pointing at you, notice the head of the humerus should point medially. Continue reading Humerus – Left/Right
Identify the apex of the patella Point the apex away from you and put it on a flat surface. Whichever side the patella lands on will be the side where it is from. Continue reading Patella – Left/Right
Remember the fibula is the lateral bone of the leg. Locate the lateral malleous, that should point inferiorly. The lateral malleous resembles an asymmetrical triangle. The longer edge points anteriorly and the shorter edge points posteriorly. Thus, looking at the … Continue reading Fibula – Left/Right
Identify the spine; that’s easily recognizable and should point posteriorly. Glenoid cavity should then point to the side that the scapula belongs to, i.e. Right scapula has a glenoid cavity points to the right. Continue reading Scapula – Left/Right
(i) Identify the back of the calcaneus “the heel”. (ii) “Grab the heel”. If your thumb is blocked by a bony extension (sustentaculum tali), then that’s the correct side. Continue reading Calcaneus – Left/Right
Kit Ng, Ph.D. 