Movements of the forearm

Last revised by Patrick O'Shea on 17 Sep 2023

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Hacking C, O'Shea P, Feger J, et al. Movements of the forearm. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 16 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-67223

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-67223

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/67223

rID:

67223

Article created:

24 Mar 2019, Craig Hacking ◉ ◈

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Craig Hacking had no recorded disclosures.

View Craig Hacking's current disclosures

Last revised:

17 Sep 2023, Patrick O'Shea ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Patrick O'Shea had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.

View Patrick O'Shea's current disclosures

Revisions:

5 times, by 5 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Musculoskeletal

Sections:

Anatomy

Synonyms:

Forearm movements

The elbow joint is a modified hinge joint resulting in a wide range of forearm movements.

Forearm flexion

Forearm flexion is rotation in the anatomic plane such that the radius and ulna move anteriorly. It occurs primarily at the articulation between the humerus and ulna and can achieve approximately 150° of movement in most individuals. It is the opposite of forearm extension.

Forearm extension

Forearm extension is the opposite of forearm flexion and represents reduction of the angle between the radius and humerus back to the anatomic position (defined as 0°) in the elbow joint. Gravity also assists in extending the elbow when the person is upright.

triceps brachii (primary)
anconeus

Forearm supination

Forearm supination is the rotation of the radius so the palm faces anteriorly (into anatomical position). It occurs primarily at the proximal radioulnar joint by rotation of the radial head against the radial notch of the proximal ulna, held in place by the annular ligament. It is the opposite of forearm pronation.

supinator (when slow and unrestricted)
biceps brachii (when fast and restricted)

Forearm pronation

Forearm pronation is the rotation of the radius so the palm faces posteriorly (away from the anatomical position). It occurs primarily at the proximal radioulnar joint. Gravity also assists in pronating the elbow. It is the opposite of forearm supination.