ANCONEUS

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Anconeus is a small, triangular muscle located in the posterior compartment of the forearm. It plays a crucial role in elbow joint movements, assisting in elbow extension and stabilisation. The Anconeus works synergistically with the triceps brachii during various upper limb activities, such as pushing and lifting.

ORIGIN

The Anconeus originates from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, a bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow joint. This location allows the Anconeus to exert force effectively during elbow extension, contributing significantly to the stability and functionality of the elbow joint.

INSERTION POINT

The Anconeus inserts onto the posterior surface of the olecranon process of the ulna, the prominent bony projection at the elbow. This insertion helps stabilise the elbow joint and assists in extending the forearm, maintaining the alignment of the ulna during various forearm activities.

MAJOR ARTERIES

The Anconeus muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the radial recurrent artery. Which is a branch of the radial artery. This arterial supply ensures the muscle gets adequate oxygen and nutrients, supporting its role in elbow and forearm movements.

NEURAL INNERVATION

The Anconeus muscle is innervated by the radial nerve, which originates from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.

TRIGGER POINT

Trigger points in the Anconeus muscle are relatively rare but may cause localised pain in the back of the elbow or referred pain to the forearm.

CONCENTRIC FUNCTION

The concentric function of the Anconeus muscle involves the contraction of its muscle fibres, assisting in the extension of the elbow joint. It is particularly active during forceful extension movements and stabilisation of the forearm.

ECCENTRIC FUNCTION

The eccentric function of the Anconeus muscle occurs when the muscle fibres lengthen under tension. It assists in controlling the flexion of the elbow joint and the descent of a loaded weight.

ISOMETRIC FUNCTION

The isometric function of the Anconeus muscle involves contracting and generating tension without changing its length. This function helps stabilise the elbow joint during activities that require a static hold or resistance.

RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES

• None

ANTAGONIST MUSCLES

• Biceps Brachii: This muscle, located in the anterior compartment of the arm, is responsible for elbow flexion and forearm supination.

• Brachialis: Also found in the anterior compartment, this muscle assists in elbow flexion, providing stability during flexion movements.

COMMON INJURIES

• Strains or tears: Overstretching or excessive contraction of the Anconeus muscle may lead to muscle fibre damage, causing pain and weakness.

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Overuse injury affecting the tendons in the lateral elbow region, which may indirectly affect the Anconeus muscle, leading to pain and inflammation.

EXERCISES

• Overhead tricep extensions: Hold a weight overhead and lower it behind the head, then extend the arms to work the triceps and Anconeus.

• Tricep pushdowns: Use a cable machine to perform pushdowns, targeting the triceps and Anconeus for strength and endurance.

• Close-grip bench press: Perform a bench press with hands closer together to emphasise tricep and Anconeus engagement.

• Skull crushers: Lie on a bench and lower a barbell or dumbbell to the forehead. Then extend the arms to target the triceps and Anconeus.

• Dips: Perform dips using parallel bars to strengthen the triceps and Anconeus, along with other upper body muscles.

STRETCHES

• Tricep stretch: Raise one arm overhead, bend the elbow, and use the opposite hand to gently push the elbow back, stretching the triceps and Anconeus.

• Doorway stretch: Place hands on either side of a doorway and step forward to stretch the chest, shoulders, and triceps, including the Anconeus.

• Cross-body tricep stretch: Bring one arm across the chest and use the opposite hand to pull gently, stretching the triceps and Anconeus.

• Wrist extensor stretch: Extend the arm with the palm facing down and gently pull back on the fingers to stretch the wrist extensors and forearm.

• Forearm pronation and supination stretch: Rotate the forearm palm up and down to stretch and mobilise the forearm muscles, including the Anconeus.