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# Bicipitoradial bursa

The bicipitoradial bursa is a small fluid sac between the distal biceps tendon and the radius; it cushions the tendon as the forearm turns.

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## What it is

A sac between the distal biceps tendon and the radius.

## What it does

Cushions the tendon as the forearm turns.

## Key points

- Lies between the distal biceps tendon and the front of the radial tuberosity; in pronation the tuberosity turns back and squeezes it
- An enlarged bursa forms a mass in the [cubital fossa](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cubital-fossa/) that can compress the posterior interosseous nerve or the median nerve
- It does not normally communicate with the elbow joint

## Key facts

**Where**
Between the distal biceps tendon and the radial tuberosity

**Function**
Cushions the tendon as it wraps around the radius in pronation

## Relations

**In front**
[Distal biceps tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/distal-biceps-tendon/), which wraps around it

**Lateral**
[Supinator](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/supinator/), with the [posterior interosseous nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-interosseous-nerve/) winding around the neck of the [radius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radius/)

**Medial**
[Brachial artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/brachial-artery/) and its division into the [radial artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radial-artery/) and [ulnar artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ulnar-artery/); the [median nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/median-nerve/) further medial

## How to find it

It sits deep in the cubital fossa at the end of the biceps tendon, felt only when enlarged, as a firm fullness below the elbow crease with the forearm supinated.

## On imaging

Ultrasound shows a fluid-filled bursa around the tendon; scanning from behind with the forearm pronated brings the radial tuberosity into view. MRI separates bursitis from a partial tendon tear or a tumour.

## Clinical notes

- Bursitis and partial tears of the distal biceps tendon often occur together, from repeated pronation and supination or a narrow space between radius and [ulna](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ulna/)
- Compression of the posterior interosseous nerve gives weak finger and thumb extension without sensory loss
- It can also be inflamed in rheumatoid arthritis or infection; ultrasound-guided aspiration avoids the vessels and nerves around it

## Related conditions

- [Biceps tendon rupture](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/biceps-tendon-rupture/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Where does the bicipitoradial bursa lie, and when is it squeezed?

Between the distal biceps tendon and the front of the radial tuberosity; in pronation the tuberosity turns back and squeezes it.

## Which nerves can an enlarged bicipitoradial bursa compress?

The posterior interosseous nerve or the median nerve, as a mass in the cubital fossa.

## How does posterior interosseous nerve compression by a bicipitoradial bursitis present?

Weak finger and thumb extension without sensory loss, since the nerve is purely motor at that level.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
bursa bicipitoradialis TA2 2567

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Bolsa bicipitorradial

**English (TA2)**
Bicipitoradial bursa

## Related

- [Distal biceps tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/distal-biceps-tendon/)
- [Radius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radius/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Cubital Fossa](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551674/); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Biceps Muscle](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519538/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/bicipitoradial-bursa/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/bicipitoradial-bursa/