Pronator Teres

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Top Contributors - Peter Zatezalo, Ilona Malkauskaite, Joao Costa, Evan Thomas, Kirenga Bamurange Liliane and Ewa Jaraczewska

Description

The pronator teres muscle is a long, thin muscle that is located on the underside of the forearm. This muscle has two different muscle heads (otherwise known as places of origins), the humeral head and the ulnar head. 

Origin

Origin of Humeral Head: Immediately above the medial epicondyle of the humerus, common flexor tendon and deep antibrachial fascia.

Origin of Ulnar Head: Medial side of the coronoid process of the ulna.

Insertion

Middle of the lateral surface of the radius.

Nerve

Median nerve, C6 and C7.

Artery

Ulnar artery, anterior recurrent ulnar artery.

Function

Pronator teres pronates the forearm and assists in flexion of the elbow joint.

Clinical relevance

Weakness

Allows a supinated position of the forearm, and interferes with many everyday functions, such as using a knife or turning the hand downwad in picking up a cup or other object.

Contracture

With the forearm held in a position of pronation, interferes markedly with many normal functions of the hand and forearm that require moving from pronation to supination.

Assessment

Power

Patient is supine or sitting. The elbow should be held against the patients side or be stabilized by the examiner to avoid any shoulder abduction movement.

Test: Pronation of the forearm with the elbow partially flexed. Pressure: At the lower forearm , above the wrist (to avoid twisting the wrist), in the direction of supinating the forearm.

See also

• Pronator Teres Syndrome Test