Wrist Joint

Question 1

Describe the radiocarpal joint in relation to the wrist creases

Answer 1

Junction of wrist with forearm

• Proximal wrist crease, radiocarpal joint
• Distal wrist crease, mid carpal joint

Question 2

Describe the movements of the wrist

Answer 2

Flexion, extension
Addiction, abduction
Circumspection

Question 3

What happens when you flex and extend your wrist
What articulations allow for these movements
Which is greater, extension or flexion
What limits movement

Answer 3

Radiocarpal articulation (radius and lunate)
Intercarpal articulation (lunate and capitate)

Radius prevents hyper extension

Greater flexion then extension

Question 4

What happens with you adduct and abduct your wrist

What limits abduction
What happens during extreme adduction

What bones articulate during adduction and abduction

Answer 4

Abduction limited by radial styloid process

Ulna only involved in extreme adduction

Normally between radius, scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum

Question 5

What muscles allow for wrist flexion and extension

Answer 5

Flexor carpal ulnaris
Flexor carpal radialis

Extensor carpal ulnaris
Extensor carpal radialis longus
Extensor carpal radialis brevis

Question 6

What muscles allow for adduction and abduction of the wrist

Answer 6

Flexor carpal ulnaris
Extensor carpal ulnaris

Flexor carpal radialis
Extensor carpal radialis longus
Extensor carpal radialis brevis

Question 7

Do wrist flexors, extensors, adductors and abductors pass through the carpal tunnel?

Answer 7

No

The main structures that do are the FDP, FDS, FPL and median nerve

Question 8

Describe the structure of the radiocarpal joint
What are the articulations
What structures surround it

Answer 8

Articulation between scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform and radius
Surrounded by ligaments

Question 9

What are the main structures that pass under the carpal tunnel

Answer 9

FDP, FDS, FPL, median nerve

Question 10

What are the 2 most common wrist fracture
What happens as a result
What is it often caused by

Answer 10

Colles fracture
Fracture of distal radius
-complete transverse

Caused by breaking fall with hand
Often comminuted with dorsal angulation, dinner fork

Scaphoid fracture
-takes on the most force when breaking a fall

Radial artery wraps around scaphoid => vessel severed => bone loses blood supply => dies and reabsorbed => missing in X-ray

Question 11

Describe carpal tunnel syndrome
What is it often caused by

What are the symptoms
How would you treat it

Answer 11

Lesion that increases size of structures that pass through carpal tunnel
Or carpal tunnel size decreases

Commonly caused by synovial sheath inflammation

Median nerve compressed => tingling, reduced/no sensation
Can lead to coordination, strength loss due to APB and OP weakness

Incision made towards medial side of flexor retinaculum