- The wrist joint is also known as the radiocarpal joint.
- It is a synovial joint of the ellipsoid (condyloid) variety.
- It connects the forearm to the hand, allowing a wide range of movements.
Articular Surface:
- Proximally: The lower end of the radius and the articular disc of the distal radioulnar joint.
- Distally: The proximal row of carpal bones - scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum.
- Note: The ulna does not directly participate in the wrist joint.
Ligaments:
- Capsular Ligament: Encloses the joint, providing stability.( Above to lower end of radius & ulna and below to proximal row of carpal bone.
- Palmar Radiocarpal Ligament: From radius to carpal bones, limits hyperextension.
- Palmar Ulnocarpal Ligament: It's rounded, It begins above from base of styloid process & attached to lunate and triqetral bone.
- Dorsal Radiocarpal Ligament: From radius to carpal bones, limits hyperflexion.
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament: From ulna to pisiform and triquetrum, limits radial deviation.
- Radial Collateral Ligament: From radius to scaphoid and trapezium, limits ulnar deviation.
Relations:
- Anterior: Tendons of flexor carpi & Median nerve
- Posterior: Extensor Tendons of wrist & Radial nerve branches.
- Laterally: Radial artery.
- Medially: Ulnar artery. & Tendons of extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi ulnaris.
- Superior: Continuation of radius and ulna.
- Inferior: Proximal row of carpal bones.
Blood Supply: Anterior and posterior carpal arteries- contribute to the blood supply.
Nerve Supply: Anterior and posterior Interosseous nerve
Movements:
- Flexion: Performed by flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, palmaris longus.
- Extension: Performed by extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris.
- Abduction (Radial Deviation): Performed by flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis.
- Adduction (Ulnar Deviation): Performed by flexor carpi ulnaris, extensor carpi ulnaris.
- Circumduction: Combination of all the above movements.
Clinical Anatomy:
- Colles' Fracture: Fracture of the distal radius with posterior displacement.
- Smith's Fracture: Fracture of the distal radius with anterior displacement.
- Scaphoid Fracture: Common in fall on outstretched hand (FOOSH).
- Wrist Drop: Due to radial nerve injury.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve.
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ANATOMY