Wrist/hand Anatomy

Question 1

Joints at the Wrist/Hand

Answer 1

1. Radiocarpal (Biaxial Synovial Ellipsoid) Joint – Radius and articular disc articulates with Scaphoid, lunate and triquetrum.
2. Midcarpal (Synovial Plane) Joints – Scaphoid, Lunate and Triquetrum articulates with Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate and Hamate
3. Carpometacarpal (saddle) joint (thumb) – trapezium articulates with 1st metacarpal.
4. Carpometacarpal (Ellipsoid) joint (fingers) – trapezoid, trapezium and capitate articulate with 2nd,3rd, 4th and 5th metacarpal
5. Metacarpophalangeal (Ellipsoid) joints- Metacarpals articulate with phalangeals
6. Interphalangeal (hinge) - Proximal phalangeal articulates with Distal phalangeal

Question 2

Ligaments at the Radiocarpal

Answer 2

1. Palmar radiocarpal ligaments (Radiocapitate, radiolunate, radioscapholunate) - Radius to scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum, strong stabilising ligaments.
2. Radial collateral - Radius to scaphoid and triquetrum, Stabilizes proximal row of carpals, limits adduction, from frontal plane.
3. Dorsal radiocarpal ligaments – ligaments that support the back of the wrist

Question 3

Ligaments at the Interphalangeal (hinge)

Answer 3

Transverse carpal ligament - flexor retinaculum. The roof of the carpal tunnel which the median nerve and flexor tendons pass through