Wrist Articulations

Question 1

What is the Wrist complex formed by?

Answer 1

Radiocarpal (attaches hand to forearm) and mid-carpal joints

Question 2

What forms the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 2

Distal radius and the radioulnar articular disc which connects the medial aspec of the distal radius to the distal ulna

Distal Joint surface is formed by the catholic, lunate and triquetrum.

Question 3

What is the osteokinematic motion of the Radiocarpal joint?

Answer 3

1. Flexion/extension

2. Radial/Ulnar Deviation

Question 4

Loose packed position of the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 4

Neutral w/ slight ulnar deviation

Question 5

Close packed position of the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 5

Extension with radial deviation

Question 6

Capsular Pattern of the Radiocarpal Joint?

Answer 6

Flexion + Extension are equally limited

Question 7

What is the anatomic snuffbox?

Answer 7

Depression found on the dorsal surface of the wrist near the distal radius

Question 8

What structures border the anatomical snuffbox?

Answer 8

Tendons of the : (brevis sandwich)

1. abductor pollicis longus
2. Extensor pollicis brevis
3. Extensor pollicis longus

Question 9

What is the anatomical snuffbox often used for?

Answer 9

Palpation of the scaphoid when there is concern for Fx.

Question 10

Where is carpal tunnel located?

Answer 10

Located close to the deep surface of the flexor Retinaculum.

Question 11

What nerve passes through the carpal tunnel?

Answer 11

Median Nerve

Question 12

Where is the dorsal radiocarpal ligament located?

Answer 12

Only major ligament located on the dorsal surface of the wrist.

Originates on the posterior surface of the distal radius and styloid process of the radius + attaches to the lunante and triquetrum

Question 13

What is the purpose of the Dorsal radiocarpal ligament?

Answer 13

Limits wrist flexion

Question 14

What does the extensor retinaculum cross?

Answer 14

Dorsal aspect of the wrist, covering the tendons of the extensor musculature.

Question 15

What is the purpose of the extensor retinaculum?

Answer 15

Prevents the tendons form ‘bowstringing’ as the wrist extends

Question 16

Where does the flexor retinaculum cross (transvers carpal ligament) ?

Answer 16

Crosses the palmar aspect of the wrist, forming the most anterior aspect of the carpal tunnel.

Question 17

What is the purpose of the flexor retinaculum?

Answer 17

To prevent ‘bowstringing’ as the wrist is flexed. It also serves an an attachment site for thenar and Hypothenar muscles

Question 18

Where does the interosseous membrane run?

Answer 18

Runs obliquely form the radius to the ulna

Question 19

What is the purpose of the interosseous membrane?

Answer 19

Spans from the proximal radioulnar jt to the distal radioulnar jt and serves as a stabilizer against Axial forces applied to the wrist

Question 20

Where is the Palmar radiocarpal ligament located?

Answer 20

Originates from the anterior surface of the distal radius and attaches to the capitate, triquetrum, and scaphoid

Question 21

What is the purpose of the Palmar radiocarpal ligament?

Answer 21

Maintains alignment of the associated joint structures + limits hyperextension of the wrist

Question 22

Where is the radial collateral ligament of the wrist located?

Answer 22

Originates form the styloid process of the radius and inserts on the scaphoid and trapezium

Question 23

What is the purpose of the radial collateral ligament of the Wrist?

Answer 23

Serves to limit ulnar deviation + becomes taut when the wrist is in extremes of extension and flexion

Question 24

What is the Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)?

Answer 24

Cartilaginous disc that sits between the ulna, lunate, and triquetrum.

Question 25

What is the purpose of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)?

Answer 25

Provides stability to the wrist joint, connecting the radius and ulna together and allowing for better distribution of forces thru the wrist

Question 26

What is the tunnel of guyon?

Answer 26

Space that is located b/t the hook of the hamate, pisiform, palmar carpal ligament and flexor retinaculum.

Question 27

What is the purpose of the Tunnel of Guyon?

Answer 27

Provides passage for the ulnar nerve and artery as they enter the hand.

Compression can cause ulnar tunnel syndrome