The FCR runs in its own compartment at the wrist — a fibro-osseous tunnel between the scaphoid and trapezium. This unique anatomy makes it the muscle most susceptible to tendinopathy at the wrist level from scaphoid and trapezium pathology.
| Origin | Medial epicondyle — common flexor origin |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Base of the second metacarpal — palmar surface, with a small slip to the third |
| Nerve Supply | Median nerve (C6, C7) |
| Blood Supply | Radial artery |
| Actions | Flexes the wrist; Radially deviates the wrist; Pronates the forearm slightly |
|---|
FCR tendinopathy at the wrist produces radial palmar pain reproduced by resisted wrist flexion and radial deviation. The FCR tunnel runs over the scaphoid waist and trapezium — scaphoid malunion, scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid arthrosis, and trapezial arthroplasty all affect FCR function. FCR is the landmark for the radial approach to the volar wrist in scaphoid fixation.
Palpated as the central volar wrist tendon during resisted wrist flexion with radial deviation.
FCR tendon irritation from underlying scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid arthrosis producing radial palmar wrist pain, managed by scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis or arthroplasty.
