Neural Entrapment Carpal Tunnel Syndrome The carpal tunnel is formed posteriorly by the carpal bones and extrinsic ligaments, and anteriorly by the flexor retinaculum or transverse carpal ligament, a thin fibrous band which inserts into the scaphoid and trapezium on…
Tendon Disease Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Instability The extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon passes through the sixth extensor compartment, a fibroosseous tunnel over the distal 2 cm of the ulna. Key Point The ECU subsheath is a retinaculum, separate from the extensor…
Tendon Disease De Quervain's Disease De Quervain's disease is an overuse tenosynovitis of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons in the first extensor compartment (EC). Low-grade chronic microtrauma is thought to underlie the condition, leading to localized…
Forearm Anatomy The anatomy of the forearm in one sense is as straightforward as the arm in that there are only two compartments, flexor and extensor, separated by an interosseous membrane. It is made a little trickier, however, as the…
Introduction The differential diagnosis of pain in the posterior elbow includes olecranon bursitis, joint disease, triceps disease, as well as less common causes, including olecranon stress fractures and posterior impingement syndromes. You’re Reading a Preview Become a Clinical Tree membership…
Introduction The principal structures of interest in the anterior elbow are the biceps and brachialis tendons. The biceps tendons form from its two muscle bellies and each inserts, close to one another, on the radial tuberosity. The two muscle heads…
Common Flexor Origin Enthesopathy Tendinopathy of the common flexor origin (CFO) is less common than its extensor counterpart. The presenting features are similar, although the sporting and occupational associations are different. There is a particular sporting association with golf and…
Lateral Elbow Common Extensor Origin Epicondylalgia The commonest cause of pain in the lateral aspect of the elbow is tendinopathy or enthesopathy of the common extensor origin (CEO). The term ‘tennis elbow’ originates from early descriptions of this condition and…
Arm Anatomy The anatomy of the arm is generally best understood by considering two compartments: flexor and extensor. In each, there are proximal and distal configurations roughly delimited by the level of the deltoid insertion on the lateral aspect of…
Bone Disease Around the Shoulder Bony Irregularity in the Humeral Head Many bony abnormalities will be encountered whilst performing rotator cuff ultrasound. Some of these are common traumatic lesions, including fractures of the greater tuberosity and Hill–Sachs lesions, others are…