Supporting structures

Question 1

Radio-carpal joint

Answer 1

> Capsule: 2 layers (fibrous + synovial)
- around distal ends of ulnar and radius (separate from inf RUJ)
- around distal row of carpals (includes mid-carpal joint)
Ligaments
- Dorsal radio-carpal - dorsal distal radius to dorsal aspect of carpals
- Palmar radio-carpal - palmar distal radius to palmar carpal bones
- Radial collateral - radial styloid process to scaphoid + trapezium - prevents excessive ulnar deviation
- Ulnar collateral - ulna styloid process to triquetrum + pisiform - prevents excessive radial deviation

Question 2

Mid-carpal

Answer 2

> Capsule - shared with radiocarpal joint
Ligaments:
- intercarpal: interossei - with adjacent carpals
: dorsal - prox carpals to distal
: palmar - prox carpals to head of capitate
- collateral: radial - attaches to scaphoid + trapezium
: ulnar - extension connects hamate to triquetrum

Question 3

Intercarpal

Answer 3

> Capsule - shared with midcarpal + radiocarpal
ligaments: interosseous
: dorsal
: palmar

Question 4

Carpometacarpal

Answer 4

> 1st
- Capsule = loose + fibrous - around articular margins
- Ligaments:
:Radial carpometacarpal: lateral side of trapezium to lateral base of 1st Mc
: Anterior + Posterior oblique ligaments: from anterior or posterior trapezium to medial base of 1st MC
Others (2-5 + intermetacarpal joints)
- Capsule: common fibrous capsule that communicates with that of midcarpal joint
- Ligaments: Dorsal
: Palmar
: Interosseous

Question 5

Metacarpophalangeal joints

Answer 5

> loose fibrous capsule around articular margins
Ligaments: Palmar (prevent hyperextension)
: Collateral (limit extreme movements)
: Deep transverse (palmar aspects of 2nd - 5th metacarpophalangeal joints - aid stability when gripping)

Question 6

Interphalangeal joints

Answer 6

> loose fibrous capsules
ligaments: Palmar
: Collateral