Wrist joint complex

Wrist joint complex articulations

Radiocarpal, intercarpal, midcarpal

Radiocarpal joint classification

Synovial condyloid (ellipsoid) joint

Intercarpal joints

Synovial plane

Midcarpal

A functional articulation formed between the proximal and distal rows of carpal bones

Wrist joint complex - flexion and extension

Extension: R (66%) M (33%)
Flexion: R (40%) M (60%)

Wrist joint complex - adduction and abduction

Adduction: R (60%) M (40%)
Abduction: R (40%) M (60%)

Radiocarpal joint articulations

Distal radius and traingular articular disc of the distal radioulnar joint above
Scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum

Radiocarpal joint - articular surfaces

In anatomical position:
- Distal radius articulates with the scaphoid and lateral half of lunate
- Articular disc articulates with medial half of lunate and triquetrum

Radiocarpal joint - fibrous capsule

Attaches:
- from the distal radius and ulna
- to the dorsal and palmar sides of the scaphoid, lunate and triquetrum

Palmar radiocarpal ligament

Distal radius to the proximal row of carpals
Some fibres may extend more distally to capitate
Resists extension of the radiocarpal joint

Palmar ulnocarpal ligament

Anterior aspect of articular disc and distal ulna to the proximal row of carpals
Resists extension of the radiocarpal joint

Dorsal radiocarpal ligament

Distal radius to the proximal row of carpals
Resists flexion of the radiocarpal joint

Ulnar collateral ligament (radiocarpal)

Styloid process of ulna to triquetrum
Resists abduction force to radiocarpal joint

Radial collateral ligament (radiocarpal)

Styloid process of radius to scaphoid
Resists an adduction force to radiocarpal joint

Intercarpal joint classiftcion

Synovial plane joints

Proximal row

Scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum

Distal row

Trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate

Midcarpal joint

Between proximal and distal rows of carpal bones

Intercarpal joints - interosseous ligaments

Strong ligaments that connect carpal bones

Palmar intercarpal ligament

Runs from proximal row of carpals to mainly the capitate
Resists extension of the midcarpal joint

Dorsal intercarpal ligament

Runs from proximal to distal row of carpals
Resists flexion of midcarpal joint

Radial collateral ligament (intercarpal)

Extension of radial collateral ligament of radiocarpal joint
Distinctive band between scaphoid and trapezium
Resists adduction of the midcarpal joint

Ulnar collateral ligament (intercarpal)

Extension of ulnar collateral ligament of the radiocarpal joint
Distinctive band between triquetrum and hamate
Resists abduction of the midcarpal joint