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Flexor Carpi Radialis

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Introduction

  • Right (A) and left (B) short-axis images of the flexor carpi radialis tendon (FCR) at the scaphoid at initial presentation. On the symptomatic right side, there is marked thickening of the retinaculum (arrow) compared with the left, consistent with tenosynovitis[1]
    Right (A) and left (B) short-axis images of the flexor carpi radialis tendon (FCR) at the scaphoid at initial presentation. On the symptomatic right side, there is marked thickening of the retinaculum (arrow) compared with the left, consistent with tenosynovitis[1]
  • The flexor carpi radialis muscle originates from the humerus epitrochlea and its tendon descends deep to the antebrachial fascia to insert onto the base of the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals after coursing through a fibro-osseous tunnel formed by the scaphoid, the flexor retinaculum, a vertical retinacular septum and the trapezium[1]
    The flexor carpi radialis muscle originates from the humerus epitrochlea and its tendon descends deep to the antebrachial fascia to insert onto the base of the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals after coursing through a fibro-osseous tunnel formed by the scaphoid, the flexor retinaculum, a vertical retinacular septum and the trapezium[1]
  • Flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris
    Flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris
  • The surface anatomy of the flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus upon palmar flexion. The dissection of the cadaver reveals flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, and the median nerve[2]
    The surface anatomy of the flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus upon palmar flexion. The dissection of the cadaver reveals flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, and the median nerve[2]
Illustration of flexor carpi radialis[3]
Cross sectional view of the wrist[4]
Contrast media in the tendon sheath of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. Fluoroscopic image (a) of contrast media in the tendon sheath of the flexor carpi radialis tendon (white arrows) after midcarpal contrast media injection as an indirect sign of a tear of the STT ligament complex. Corresponding axial (b) and sagittal (c) MR images also show contrast media (white arrows) in the tendon sheath of the flexor carpi radialis (white star)[5]

Names

  • Flexor Carpi Radialis
  • FCR
  • Flexor carpi radialis muscle
  • Radial flexor of the wrist
  • Anterior forearm flexor
  • Wrist flexor

Origin

Insertion

Anatomic Course

  • Tendon originates approximately 15 cm proximal to radiocarpal joint[6]
  • Becomes completely tendinous about 8 cm proximal to the joint
  • Travels distally, crossing over scaphoid, trapezius
  • Courses through fibro-osseus tunnel formed by trapezial crest (palmar), trapezial body (radial), trapezoid (dorsal), retinaculum septum (ulnar)
  • Angles at approximately 30-45 degrees before it divides and attaches to the volar surface of the metacarpals
  • Tendon is radial to the flexor retinaculum, does not pass through the carpal tunnel
  • Radial artery courses lateral to the tendon

Actions

  • Wrist flexion
  • Radial deviation/ abduction
  • Grip strength
  • Coordinated wrist movements

Vascular Supply

Nerve

Clinical Significance

Pathology

Procedures

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bolles, Chandler L., Ahmad Abdella, and Patrick J. Battaglia. "Flexor carpi radialis tenosynovitis mimicking carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed and monitored with ultrasound: case report." SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine 2.6 (2020): 797-801.
  2. ↑ Yi, Kyu-Ho, et al. "Anatomical proposal of local anesthesia injection for median nerve block in treating hyperhidrosis with botulinum neurotoxin." Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 45.9 (2023): 1083-1087.
  3. ↑ Image courtesy of kenhub.com, "flexor carpi radialis muscle
  4. ↑ Malanga, Gerard A., and Kenneth R. Mautner. "Atlas of ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal injections." (No Title) (2014)
  5. ↑ Higashigaito, Kai, et al. "Ligaments of the scapho-trapezial-trapezoidal joint: MR anatomy in asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals." Skeletal Radiology 51.3 (2022): 637-647.
  6. ↑ Bishop AT, Gabel G, Carmichael SW. Flexor carpi radialis tendonitis part I: operative anatomy. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1994;74(7):1009–1014.
Created by:
Tyler Schmitz on 20 July 2019 21:45:52
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Last edited:
18 December 2025 18:50:58
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