Flexor Carpi Radialis Detail

musculus flexor carpi radialis detail

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.

Nerve: Median nerve (C6, C7) Blood Supply: Radial artery Region: Forearm

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

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

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions	Flexes the wrist; Radially deviates the wrist; Pronates the forearm slightly

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

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.

Palpation

Palpated as the central volar wrist tendon during resisted wrist flexion with radial deviation.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

FCR Tendinopathy in Scaphotrapezial Arthrosis

FCR tendon irritation from underlying scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid arthrosis producing radial palmar wrist pain, managed by scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis or arthroplasty.