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Brachioradialis

Contents

Anatomy

 

Brachioradialis - anterolateral view
Brachioradialis - lateral view
Brachioradialis - anterior view

General information

  • This section is strictly limited to anatomy, you might be looking for clinical relevant information which is found under the clinical chapters -- muscles section, click here to go to that page
  • A part of the lower arms radial muscle group
  • Is the biggest muscle within this group

Position

  • Superficial

Origin

  • Lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus, proximal 2/3

Insertion

  • Lateral side of the processus styloideus radius

Main function

  • Elbow
    • Flexion

Secondary function

  • Elbow
    • Supination
    • Pronation

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • C5-C6
  • Peripheral
    • Nervus radialis

Arterial supply

  • Brachial artery
  • Radial artery

Palpation

  • Patient position
    • Sitting or supine
  • Ask the patient to maintain a 90° flexion of the elbow while keeping the elbow in a neutral position between supination and pronation
  • Place your hand at the lateral aspect of the lower arm
  • Press the forearm in a direction of extension of the elbow while the patient gives force towards flexion of the elbow, feel for contraction in the muscle

Strength test

  • Patient position
    • Sitting or supine
  • Fixate the patient's arm by holding a hand under the elbow
  • Ask the patient to hold the elbow in flexion and neutral position between pronation and supination
  • Press towards the lower forearm in an extension direction, so that the patient is giving force towards flexion of the elbow
  • The patient maintains the position throughout the testing