Flexor Carpi Radialis Tendon

tendo musculi flexoris carpi radialis

The flexor carpi radialis tendon passes through a fibro-osseous tunnel at the wrist formed by the trapezial groove, inserting onto the base of the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals. It is the primary wrist flexor and radial deviator, and its tendon is the most prominent structure at the radial wrist flexion crease.

Region: Forearm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The FCR tendon is the primary landmark for carpal tunnel and scaphoid approaches; the incision is made just radial to the tendon in the flexor carpi radialis approach to the scaphoid. FCR tendinopathy presents as radial wrist pain reproduced by resisted wrist flexion and radial deviation. The tendon travels in a separate fibro-osseous tunnel radial to the carpal tunnel, where it may be compressed by trapezial osteophytes in CMC arthritis.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

FCR Tendinopathy

Degenerative change in the FCR tendon within its fibro-osseous tunnel, producing radial wrist pain that worsens with resisted wrist flexion and is commonly associated with trapeziometacarpal arthritis.

FCR Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the FCR tendon in its groove at the trapezium, producing localised radial wrist pain and occasional tendon thickening, treated by tunnel release if conservative measures fail.