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The anconeus muscle is a small, triangular muscle located at the elbow. It is part of the superficial extensor compartment of the forearm. The anconeus muscle assists in extending the forearm and supports the dorsal capsule of the humeroulnar joint and the ulna. It is susceptible to the development of myofascial pain syndrome and can be easily palpated at the lateral side of the forearm near the elbow.
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What You'll Learn
Location and shape
The anconeus muscle is a small, triangular-shaped muscle located in the posterior region of the elbow. It is found in the dorsal posterolateral aspect of the elbow, extending from the distal humerus to the proximal ulna. The anconeus is part of the superficial extensor compartment of the forearm, alongside other muscles including the extensor carpi ulnaris and the brachioradialis.
The anconeus originates from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and attaches to the olecranon of the ulna. It is supplied by the recurrent interosseous branch of the posterior interosseous artery, with contributions from musculocutaneous perforators. The anconeus muscle is also supplied by the middle collateral artery, a branch of the profunda brachii artery.
The anconeus muscle is susceptible to various injuries and conditions. Stretch or impact injuries sustained during activities such as tennis or excessive handshaking can lead to the development of myofascial pain syndrome or anconeus syndrome. Trauma to the nerve supply of the anconeus muscle can result from a shoulder dislocation, fractures of the upper humerus or injuries to the olecranon or radial nerve.
Anatomical variations of the anconeus muscle are found in about one-third of all humans. One such variation, the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle, originates at the medial epicondyle of the humerus and can cause compression of the ulnar nerve in cases of hypertrophy. This compression results in numbness in the ulnar side of the hand and pain in the elbow, known as cubital tunnel syndrome.
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Function
The anconeus is a small, triangular muscle located in the posterior region of the elbow. It is part of the superficial extensor compartment of the forearm. The anconeus muscle is involved in several important functions in the elbow region.
Firstly, it assists in the extension of the forearm. When the anconeus contracts, it contributes to the movement of extending the forearm at the elbow joint. This extension of the forearm is facilitated by the anconeus muscle's attachment to the ulna. The muscle's contraction results in the abduction of the ulna, especially during pronation movements of the forearm. This action is crucial for stabilising the ulna and enabling the rotatory movement of the forearm. For example, during activities such as using a screwdriver, the anconeus muscle helps to stabilise the ulna and allow for the necessary forearm rotation.
Secondly, the anconeus provides support and stability to the elbow joint. It helps to maintain the tension of the dorsal joint capsule, thereby preventing potential damage during hyperextension. This supportive function of the anconeus contributes to overall elbow stability, particularly during forearm rotation. Additionally, the anconeus may be considered a continuation of the triceps brachii muscle, as they often share a similar function at the elbow and are sometimes blended together.
The anconeus muscle is susceptible to various conditions, such as myofascial pain syndrome, which can be treated through conservative therapy and trigger point injections. Trauma to the nerve supply of the anconeus, such as shoulder dislocation or fractures of the upper humerus, can result in paralysis of the muscle and other elbow extensors.
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Blood supply
The anconeus is a small, triangular muscle in the arm, located at the posterior aspect of the elbow. It assists in the extension of the forearm and supports the dorsal capsule of the humeroulnar joint and the ulna.
The anconeus receives blood supply from three arterial pedicles:
- The recurrent posterior interosseus artery, also known as the posterior interosseous recurrent artery, which branches from the interosseous artery in the forearm.
- The medial collateral artery, which is a branch of the brachial artery.
- The posterior branch of the radial collateral artery, arising from the radial artery.
The first two arteries, the recurrent posterior interosseus artery and the medial collateral artery, are present in all dissected cadavers and consistently anastomose with each other underneath the anconeus muscle.
Additionally, the anconeus muscle receives a small contribution of blood supply from musculocutaneous perforators.
The blood supply to the anconeus muscle is important for maintaining adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscle tissue, facilitating its proper function and supporting the removal of waste products.
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Innervation
The anconeus muscle is a small triangular muscle found in the posterior elbow that assists in the extension of the arm. It is sometimes considered a continuation of the triceps brachii muscle, with their fibres often being partially or completely blended together.
The anconeus muscle is innervated by a motor branch of the radial nerve, arising from cervical roots C6-C8. The skin over the anconeus is supplied by the T1 spinal nerve. The radial nerve innervating the anconeus bifurcates from the main branch in the radial groove of the humerus. This innervation pattern follows the rules of innervation of the musculature of the posterior forearm (extensor) compartment by the radial nerve.
The radial nerve plays a crucial role in the function of the anconeus muscle. It is responsible for the contraction of the muscle, which leads to the extension of the forearm at the elbow. This action is similar to that of the triceps brachii muscle, with which the anconeus is often associated.
Trauma to the nerve supply of the anconeus muscle can result from various injuries, such as shoulder dislocation, fractures of the upper part of the humerus, or damage to the radial nerve. Such trauma can paralyze the anconeus muscle, as well as other extensors of the elbow and wrist. Therefore, the health of the radial nerve is vital to the proper functioning of the anconeus muscle.
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Clinical relevance
The anconeus muscle is a small triangular muscle located at the elbow, attaching the humerus and ulna. It is considered a continuation of the triceps brachii muscle, with which it shares an origin, innervation, and function. The anconeus muscle is susceptible to myofascial pain syndrome, especially in activities that involve repeated stretch or impact injuries, such as tennis, excessive handshaking, or digging. Treatment for anconeus syndrome involves blocking the myofascial trigger and achieving muscle relaxation, often with conservative therapy involving trigger point injections and antidepressants.
Trauma to the nerve supply of the anconeus muscle can result from a shoulder dislocation, fractures of the upper humerus or around the olecranon, or any injury damaging the radial nerve. This can paralyze the anconeus muscle and other extensors of the elbow and wrist. Additionally, any disease compromising muscular function, especially arm extension (e.g., muscular dystrophy), will affect this accessory muscle.
An anatomical variation of the anconeus, called the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle, is found in about one-third of all humans. While most variations are harmless, this specific variation can cause compression of the ulnar nerve, resulting in numbness in the ring and little fingers, as well as pain in the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome).
The anconeus muscle can be easily palpated laterally to the olecranon process of the ulna, especially during pronation and supination movements. Its contraction leads to the extension of the forearm at the elbow and provides stability to the ulna during pronation movements of the forearm. This action is essential for stabilizing the ulna and allowing the rotatory movement of the forearm, such as when using a screwdriver.
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Frequently asked questions
The anconeus muscle is a small, triangular muscle located in the posterior region of the elbow. It is part of the superficial extensor compartment of the forearm.
The anconeus muscle functions as an accessory extensor alongside the triceps brachii muscle. It assists in the extension of the forearm and provides support for the dorsal capsule of the humeroulnar joint and the ulna. The anconeus may also contribute to elbow stability during forearm rotation.
Anconeus syndrome is a condition that can develop due to stretch or impact injuries to the anconeus muscle, such as those sustained while playing tennis or with overuse. It can also result from repeated microtrauma. Anconeus syndrome causes myofascial pain, and treatment typically involves blocking the myofascial trigger and achieving muscle relaxation.
