The radiohumeral bursa, also called the bursa of the extensor carpi radialis brevis, lies between the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and the radiocapitellar joint capsule at the lateral epicondyle. It reduces friction between the extensor tendon origin and the underlying joint capsule during forearm rotation and wrist extension.
| Location | Deep to the origin of extensor carpi radialis brevis, between the tendon and the radiocapitellar joint capsule at the lateral elbow |
|---|---|
| Nearby |
|
Reduces friction between the common extensor origin and the underlying joint capsule during forearm rotation and wrist extension
Inflammation of this bursa contributes to the symptom complex of lateral epicondylopathy (tennis elbow), and distinguishing it from common extensor tendinopathy is clinically challenging. Ultrasound may show a small fluid collection deep to the extensor origin at the radial head level in addition to, or instead of, tendinopathy changes. Corticosteroid injection in this region targets both structures, and the response helps judge the contribution of each. At surgery for refractory lateral epicondylopathy, bursal tissue is excised alongside any degenerate tendon.
Bursal inflammation beneath the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin contributes to lateral elbow pain, clinically indistinguishable from common extensor tendinopathy without imaging, and responds to the same conservative measures including physiotherapy and corticosteroid injection.
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