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Wrist Flexor Tendons

tendines flexorum carpi

The wrist flexor tendons, comprising the flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, and the variable palmaris longus, are the primary wrist flexors arising from the common flexor origin at the medial epicondyle. They are distinctly identifiable at the wrist crease as the most superficial tendons before the digital flexors. Collectively their tendons form the anatomical landmarks for wrist surgery and are the tendons damaged in medial epicondylalgia.

Region: Hand & Wrist

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Wrist flexion; radial and ulnar deviation

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The wrist flexor tendon group is affected in medial epicondylalgia at their common origin, producing medial elbow pain reproduced by resisted wrist flexion and forearm pronation. Individual tendon pathology is distinguished by which tendon is tender and which direction of resisted wrist movement reproduces the pain. FCR and FCU tendinopathies at the wrist are separately discussed under their individual entries.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Medial Epicondylalgia

Degenerative tendinopathy at the common flexor origin on the medial epicondyle producing medial elbow pain reproduced by resisted wrist flexion and pronation, managed with load modification, eccentric exercise, and injection therapy.