Pronator Teres Ridge of the Radius

tuberositas pronatoria radii

The pronator teres insertion site is a roughened ridge on the lateral surface of the radial shaft at the junction of the proximal and middle thirds, where the pronator teres inserts. It is the most prominent lateral radial surface landmark in the mid-forearm.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Landmarks

Articulations	No joint; pronator teres insertion on the radial shaft
Landmarks	Lateral radial shaft Proximal-middle third junction Pronator teres insertion footprint Adjacent to anterior interosseous nerve territory
Ossification	Part of the primary radial diaphyseal ossification centre present from the 7th fetal week.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The pronator teres ridge is a landmark in anterior radial shaft approaches (Henry approach) where the pronator teres insertion is the distal extent of the proximal exposure before the surgeon must move anterior to the PIN as the nerve winds around the radius. Subperiosteal elevation from this ridge exposes the proximal radial shaft for plating. Pronator teres syndrome (PIN compression) may involve this insertion ridge.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Radial Shaft Fracture Rotational Deformity

Fractures above the pronator teres insertion leave the proximal fragment supinated and the distal fragment pronated, which must be corrected on reduction.

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