Ulnar groove Posterior Lateral

Ulnar groove posterior lateral

Posterior lateral ulnar groove (lat. sulcus cubitalis posterior lateralis) is a groove located on the back surface of the ulna. It begins at the condyle of the ulna and goes downward and laterally, bending around the olecranon.

The ulnar nerve and the radial neurovascular bundle, containing the radial artery and veins, pass along the posterior lateral ulnar groove. A groove separates the muscle bellies of the extensor carpi ulnaris and the extensor carpi radialis longus.

Thus, the ulnar groove posterior lateral plays an important role in the passage of nerves and vessels of the forearm and the separation of the muscles of the posterior surface of the forearm. Knowledge of its topography is necessary when performing surgical operations in this area.

The ulnar groove is a narrow canal located on the inner surface of the posterior wall of the forearm, which connects the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and the wrist joint; there is a special name for it - the brachioradial joint. There are two possible classifications: one is located at an angle of 27 degrees, the other is located at an angle of 83 degrees relative to the axis of the radius. Its width reaches five millimeters. The appearance of this groove is associated with ossification of the intraarticular tendon in the forearm. The anterior ulnar groove is larger than the posterior one. There are lateral as well as posterior layers of walls; inside and outside, they are located in the bones. The ulnar groove has the structure of the neck of the humerus bone, where the quadriceps brachii muscle passes. The posterior tubercle is in its middle, the tendon of the thigh muscles above the knee. Due to their displacements, there is a risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This pathology manifests itself as paralysis due to compression of the nerves.