Extensor carpi radialis brevis - An anatomical analysis of its origin

We studied the origin of extensor carpi radialis brevis using 40 fresh froz en human cadaver specimens. Ten were stained with haematoxylin and eosin an d trichrome which showed the collagenous structure of the extensor tendons at their origin. Gross anatomical observation showed that there was no defi nitive separation between brevis and communis at the osseotendinous junctio n, The histological findings confirmed the lack of separation between the t wo tendons. The extensor tendons were in close proximity to the joint capsu le but trichrome staining showed no interdigitation of the tendon with the capsule. The validity of ascribing the pain of lateral epicondylitis to ext ensor carpi radialis brevis must be questioned. It appears to arise more fr om the 'common extensor' origin.