Anconeus Tendon

tendo musculi anconei

The anconeus has a proximal tendinous origin from the posterior lateral epicondyle of the humerus and inserts via a broad tendinous sheet onto the lateral olecranon and posterior proximal ulna. Its tendinous origin blends with the lateral collateral ligament complex and the common extensor tendon at the lateral epicondyle.

Region: Upper Arm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The anconeus tendon origin at the lateral epicondyle is involved in lateral epicondylitis procedures, where the anconeus is reflected or split to access the posterolateral elbow. The anconeus muscle-tendon unit is used as a local rotational flap for elbow soft tissue reconstruction. Anconeus compartment syndrome is a rare but recognised diagnosis producing posterolateral elbow pain worsened by resistance testing.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Anconeus Strain

Traction injury at the lateral epicondyle anconeus origin producing posterolateral elbow pain with resisted extension and supination, overlapping clinically with lateral epicondylitis.