Common Flexor Tendon

Description

Anatomy of the common flexor tendon

Normal common flexor tendon and UCL. Longitudinal US image shows the hyperechoic fibrillar origin of the common flexor tendon (straight arrows) at the medial epicondyle (ME) and the myo­ tendinous junction ( * ). The common flexor tendon is thicker and shorter than the common extensor ten­ don. Deep to the common flexor tendon is the slightly more hypoechoic anterior band of the UCL (arrow­ heads), which extends from the medial epicondyle to the sublime tubercle (curved arrow) on the ulna (U). Tr = trochlea.

Alternative Names

• Common flexor origin of the elbow
• Common Flexor Tendon

Anatomic Description

• Thick tendinous structure originating from the medial epicondyle of the distal humerus
• Splits into anterosuperior and posteroinferior portions
• Blends with the elbow medial collateral ligament, especially fibers of the FDS

Muscle Attachments

• Reliable components of CFT
  • Pronator Teres (PT)
  • Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS)
  • Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU)
• Variably insert into the CFT
  • Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR)
  • Palmaris Longus (PL)

Actions

• Primary
  • Dynamic stabilizer of the elbow
  • Wrist flexion
  • Forearm Pronation
• Secondary
  • Restraint to valgus force, supporting the elbow MCL

Vascular Supply

• Posterior ulnar recurrent artery

Innervation

• Median Nerve

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Clinical Significance

• Medial Epicondylitis

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See Also

• Elbow Anatomy Main
• Elbow Pain Main
• Physical Exam Elbow

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