Kinesiology of the Wrist and Hand

Question 1

What are the joints of the wrist?

Answer 1

radiocarpal
midcarpal

Question 2

What is the basic function of the wrist?

Answer 2

to control the length-tension relationships of the extrinsic hand muscles to maximize balance and control of the hand

Question 3

What is the CPP of the radiocarpal joint

Answer 3

full extension and radial deviation

Question 4

What is the capsular position of the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 4

flexion = extension

Question 5

What is the typical dislocation of the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 5

lunate moves anteriorly into carpal tunnel; most carpals move posteriorly.

Question 6

What type of joint is the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 6

biaxial condyloid synovial

Question 7

What are the 4 main ligaments of the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 7

ulnar/medial collateral
radial/lateral collateral
anterior and posterior ulnocarpal
anterior and posterior radiocarpal

Question 8

What does the ulnar/medial collateral ligament limit in the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 8

valgus stress

Question 9

What does the radial/lateral collateral ligament limit in the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 9

limits varus stress and is the stronger of the two

Question 10

What does the anterior and posterior ulnocarpal ligament limit?

Answer 10

limit extension and flexion respectively

Question 11

What does the anterior and posterior radiocarpal ligament limit?

Answer 11

anterior band limits extension and is stronger than the posterior
posterior band checks full flexion, not especially strong

Question 12

Are anterior or posterior ligaments of the radiocarpal joint stronger?

Answer 12

anterior ligaments are much stronger

Question 13

Are anterior and posterior ligaments of the radiocarpal joint considered extrinsic?

Answer 13

Yes, therefore greater blood flood and faster healing is possible