Common Flexor Tendon (Elbow)

tendo musculi flexoris communis

The common flexor tendon is the shared medial epicondyle origin of the FCR, FCU, palmaris longus, FDS, and the humeral head of pronator teres. Medial epicondylalgia (golfer's elbow) involves degeneration at this origin, less common than lateral epicondylalgia but equally debilitating. The UCL runs immediately deep to the common flexor tendon, making their proximity surgically important during UCL reconstruction.

Region: Upper Arm

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Common origin of the wrist flexors and pronators — transmits flexor and pronator forces from all medial forearm muscles

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Medial epicondylalgia produces medial elbow pain reproduced by resisted wrist flexion and forearm pronation, and occasionally by valgus stress on the UCL deep to the tendon. The medial epicondyle is also the site of stress fractures in young throwers (medial epicondyle apophysitis — Little League elbow). Eccentric wrist flexion loading, similar to the Alfredson protocol for Achilles tendinopathy, is the primary rehabilitation intervention.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Medial Epicondylalgia

Common flexor tendon degeneration at the medial epicondyle producing medial elbow pain reproduced by resisted wrist flexion, managed with eccentric loading and injection therapy.