Brachialis

Definition

• Injury such as tendinopathy or muscle tears of the brachialis is extremely rare¹
• Should be considered a rare differential diagnosis in patients presenting with pain and/or swelling of the elbow²

 

Localization

• In the distal 1/3 of the muscle belly, just posterior to the biceps tendon

Risk factors

• Myositis ossificans
  • Occurs after injury to muscle fibers, connective tissue, blood vessels and underlying periosteum
  • Typically the patients present with following symptoms
    • Pain in the affected muscle
    • Palpable mass
    • Flexion contracture

Indications

• Pain and swelling in the anterior mid-arm
  • When there is tearing of the muscle

Examination

• Resisted flexion is painful
  • Especially with forearm in pronated position
• Passive flexion may be painful
  • But not necessarily
• Palpation is difficult but in some cases possible to identify