Medial Epicondyle Of The Humerus, Posterior View

Description

Medial epicondyle (epicondylus medialis humeri) projects from the distal humerus as a prominent medial spur, seen from a posterior elbow perspective with the epicondyle positioned medial to the olecranon fossa and just proximal to the trochlear region. Along its posterior aspect, the groove for the ulnar nerve (sulcus nervi ulnaris) sits immediately posterior to the epicondylar prominence, marking the transition toward the cubital tunnel. Proximal shaft contours and the posterior distal humeral surface frame the epicondyle, emphasizing the medial column of the elbow relative to the more central posterior fossa. Bone surface detail is the focus. Medial epicondylar anatomy matters because it combines bony leverage, ligamentous stability, and a vulnerable neurovascular relationship in one small area. The common flexor-pronator origin anchors to the epicondyle, and the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligament attaches nearby, so valgus overload can present as medial epicondylitis, ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency in throwing athletes, or traction neuritis of the ulnar nerve. Posterior visualization of the epicondyle and ulnar nerve groove is also clinically practical when teaching cubital tunnel syndrome and when planning surgical exposure for ulnar nerve decompression or anterior transposition, where the groove and posterior epicondylar contour guide safe dissection. A frequent site of symptoms. Use this illustration in upper-limb anatomy teaching (osteology and elbow joint modules), sports medicine texts discussing valgus elbow injury patterns, and orthopedic or hand surgery publications that need a posterior landmark view for cubital tunnel evaluation and medial epicondyle fracture classification. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.