Wrist Joint

Question 1

Which joints make up the wrist joint?

Answer 1

Radiocarpal joint and midcarpal joints

Question 2

Which bones articulate in the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 2

The radius and articular disc of the radius, and all of the proximal carpal bones except the pisiform (scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum)

Question 3

Which ligaments support the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 3

1. Palmar radiocarpal (between radius and both rows of carpals)
2. Dorsal radiocarpal (between radius and both rows of carpals)
3. Radial collateral ligament (between radial styloid process and scaphoid)
4. Ulnar collateral ligament (between ulnar styloid process and triquetrum)

Question 4

What are the movements of the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 4

1. Flexion / extension
2. Abduction / adduction (radial and ulnar deviation)
3. Circumduction

Question 5

Which 3 nerves innervate the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 5

1. Anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve
2. Posterior interosseous branch of the radial nerve
3. Dorsal and deep branches of the ulnar nerve

Question 6

Which 2 sources provide blood supply to the radioulnar joint?

Answer 6

1. Branches of the dorsal carpal arch

2. Branches of the palmar carpal arch

Question 7

Which bones form the midcarpal joint?

Answer 7

Articulation between the proximal carpal bones, and the distal carpal bones

Question 8

What are the features of the midcarpal joint?

Answer 8

Proximal row: more mobile, carpals bound loosely together

Distal row: less mobile, bound tightly together with ligamentous connections