Supratrochlear nodes

At a glance

English

Supratrochlear nodes

Latin (TA2)

Nodi supratrochleares

System

Lymphatic

Region

Upper limb

Side

Paired, left and right

About the supratrochlear nodes

The supratrochlear nodes lie in the superficial fascia on the medial side of the lower arm, a few centimetres proximal to the humeral medial epicondyle. They sit next to the basilic vein, on its medial side, before the vein dives through the deep fascia. There are usually one or two, and the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm runs nearby. In many people they cannot be felt at all unless something has made them swell.

Terminologia separates them from the deeper cubital nodes in front of the elbow, although the two lie in the same general area. At the bedside both are often called epitrochlear nodes.

Their territory is the ulnar side of the hand and forearm. Superficial lymph vessels from the little, ring and middle fingers, from the inner part of the hand and from the skin covering the forearm on its ulnar border climb with the basilic vein to reach them. These vessels connect freely with the other lymphatics of the forearm, so the boundary is not strict. From the nodes, lymph travels on with the basilic vein, enters the deep vessels of the arm and passes to the lateral axillary nodes.

These nodes are a useful sign on examination. They become enlarged and tender with infections of the inner fingers and hand, such as a paronychia or a bite, and with infections of the medial forearm. Enlargement without a local cause can point to a general disease of the lymph system, such as lymphoma, or to some systemic infections. To feel them, the examiner supports the patient's flexed elbow and presses in the groove above the medial epicondyle.

Course and drainage

Begins at

Afferent superficial vessels from the little, ring and middle fingers, the medial part of the hand and the skin along the forearm's ulnar border.

Drains into

Efferent vessels run with the basilic vein to the deep lymph vessels of the arm and on to the lateral axillary nodes.

Drains

Filters lymph from the ulnar side of the hand and forearm. They swell, and can be felt, with infection of the inner fingers or forearm and in some general lymph diseases.