Medial Head of Triceps Tendon

tendo capitis medialis musculi tricipitis brachii

The medial head of triceps is the deepest and most distally placed head, originating from the posterior humeral shaft below the radial groove. Its tendinous fibres merge with the common triceps tendon inserting on the olecranon. The medial head is the primary elbow extensor during slow, unloaded extension.

Region: Upper Arm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The medial head of triceps is the most commonly injured head in distal triceps tendinopathy, as its fibres insert most directly onto the olecranon. Snapping triceps syndrome involves the medial head subluxating over the medial epicondyle during elbow flexion, often accompanied by ulnar nerve subluxation. The radial nerve and profunda brachii pass in the radial groove just above the medial head origin.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Snapping Medial Triceps

Subluxation of the medial triceps head over the medial epicondyle producing a painful snap at the posteromedial elbow during elbow flexion, often coexisting with ulnar nerve subluxation.