The Wrist & Hand

Question 1

What is the true wrist joint?

Answer 1

Radio-carpal joint. The ulna does not articulate with the carpal bones.

Question 2

What is Gamekeeper’s Thumb?

Answer 2

The thumb is forcefully extended and abducted via a valgus force.

Taping or splinting can be used to protect joint. Monitor for complete rupture: surgery req’d to bind thumb ligament back to wrist.

Question 3

What is the most common way to fracture the Scaphoid? How would you treat it?

Answer 3

FOOSH - forcing the wrist into hyper-extension.

If fracture is present, splint/wrap the thumb while gripping an object in the hand and wrap the hand as a whole.

Question 4

What is DeQuervain’s Syndrome?

Answer 4

Tenosynovitis (tendon sheaths, not tendons) of the Extensor Pollicus Brevis & Abductor Pollicus Longus.

Question 5

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Answer 5

Nodules that develop in the palmar aponeurosis, limiting finger extension. Can ultimately cause a flexion deformity, most commonly in the 4th and 5th phalange.