The Medial Epicondyle Of The Humerus Shown In An Anterior View

Description

Rotating in an anterior orientation, the distal humerus comes into focus with the medial epicondyle projecting medially from the trochlear region at the elbow. The capitulum sits lateral to the trochlea, while the coronoid and radial fossae appear superior to the articular surface on the anterior distal shaft. As the sequence advances, the prominence of the epicondyle is read in relation to the medial supracondylar ridge proximally and the ulnar (cubital) tunnel region posteriorly, where the medial border begins to roll out of view. Clinically, the medial epicondyle is the common flexor origin (including pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, and flexor carpi ulnaris), and its footprint matters in medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) and in avulsion injuries in throwing athletes and adolescents. The animation clarifies how this bony landmark sits anterior to the path of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, a relationship that explains why valgus stress, fracture displacement, or post-traumatic callus can produce ulnar neuropathy. Seeing the distal humerus rotate also helps learners distinguish the epicondyle from the trochlea itself, a common point of confusion when correlating anatomy with anteroposterior elbow radiographs. Use this clip for upper-limb anatomy teaching blocks covering the brachium and elbow joint, for sports medicine content on medial elbow pain and flexor-pronator overuse, or for orthopaedic and emergency medicine materials addressing distal humerus fracture patterns and landmark-based examination. It also drops cleanly into lecture slides that pair surface anatomy of the medial elbow with imaging orientation and palpation targets. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.