Supracondylar process of the humerus

The supracondylar process of the humerus (also known as an avian spur) is a variant bony projection on the anteromedial aspect of the upper arm bone (humerus), about 5–6 cm above the medial epicondyle.^[1] It is directed downward, forward and medially pointing to the medial epicondyle. A fibrous band, Struthers ligament, may connect this process to the medial epicondyle.^[2] This variation has a prevalence of 0.68% and is significantly more common in women than in men.^[3]

Supracondylar process
Small supracondylar process seen on a lateral radiograph of the elbow
Larger supracondylar process seen on a lateral radiograph of the elbow
Identifiers
TA98	A02.4.04.017
TA2	1200
FMA	75815
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

Clinical significance

Supracondylar processes are usually asymptomatic, but may be palpable as a mass on the upper arm. They are most commonly found as an incidental finding on radiographs made for other reasons, but occasionally isolated fractures of the process itself may lead to its discovery. Rarely, presence of the process and a connecting ligament may lead to compression of the brachial artery and the median nerve,^[4] leading to pain, paresthesia,^[2] and/or ischemia.

Other animals

The supracondylar process is a vestigial remnant of the supracondylar foramen or epitrochlear foramen found in other vertebrates including cats, climbing mammals and lower primates.