Supracondylar Process

The supracondylar process, also known as an avian spur, is a bony spur that arises from the anterior cortex of the humerus and extends inferiorly. The supracondylar process may be joined to the medial epicondyle by the ligament of Struthers.

On rare occasions, it can present as a neuropathy of the median nerve at the level of the distal humerus. Patients may present with median nerve symptoms on extension of the elbow. Differential considerations include other conditions that cause compression of the median nerve:

• high bifurcation of the brachial artery,
• high origin of the pronator teres muscle, and
• anomalous insertion of the coracobrachialis muscle

References

Andreisek G, et al.. Peripheral Neuropathies of the Median, Radial, and Ulnar Nerves: MR Imaging Features. RadioGraphics. 2006; 26: 1267-1287.