Anatomical study of the triceps aponeurosis and its clinical significance

doi:10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.3.01

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Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (3) : 245-249. DOI: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.3.01

Anatomical study of the triceps aponeurosis and its clinical significance

Wang Jing¹, Yao Yushan², Hou Fanli¹, Li Chengyang¹, Yu Shuangfei¹, Meng Xiaotong³, Gao Xin³, Li Jing⁴*

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Abstract

Objective To observe the anatomical characteristics of the triceps aponeurosis (TA) and explore the relationship between TA and radial nerve (RN), so as to provide useful information for the localization of RN during humeral fracture surgeries. Methods A total of 63 adult upper limbs were dissected and the characteristics of the TA were noted. The length and width of the TA, the distance from the proximal apex and lateral border of the TA to the RN were measured, respectively. Results (1) TA was divided into the following 4 anatomical types according to its morphology: ①Classical type: TA had a proximal apex and a distal apex in 49 cases (77.8%); ②Single apex type: TA had only one proximal apex and no distal apex in 5 cases (7.9%); ③Three apexes type: TA had two proximal apexes and one distal apex in 6 cases (9.5%); ④Step type: TA showed a stepwise shape in 3 cases (4.8%). (2) There were significant differences in the length (P<0.05) and width (P<0.05) of TA between genders. There were significant differences in the length (P<0.05) of TA, and the distance between RN and the lateral edge of TA (P<0.05) in the four types. Conclusions The anatomical classification of TA is a supplement to previous studies. Analyzing the relationship between TA and RN can more accurately locate the radial nerve, providing positive reference when performing surgical procedures on humeral fractures.

Key words

Triceps aponeurosis / / / Variation / / / Radial nerve / / / Humeral fractures / / / Applied anatomy

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Wang Jing, Yao Yushan, Hou Fanli, Li Chengyang, Yu Shuangfei, Meng Xiaotong, Gao Xin, Li Jing. Anatomical study of the triceps aponeurosis and its clinical significance[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy. 2026, 44(3): 245-249 https://doi.org/10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.3.01

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