Wrist Joint Anatomy: Classification, Ligaments, Movements

Wrist Joint Anatomy: Classification, Ligaments, Movements

Question 1. Describe the wrist joint under the following headings: (a) classification, (b) articular surfaces, (c) ligaments, (d) relations, (e) nerve supply, (f) movements and (g) applied anatomy.
Answer.

Wrist Joint Classification

Wrist Joint Structural:

Synovial joint of ellipsoid variety.

Wrist Joint Functional:

Diarthrosis.

Wrist Joint Anatomy: Classification, Ligaments, Movements

Wrist Joint Articular surfaces

Wrist Joint Proximally

• Inferior articular surface of the lower end of the radius
• Inferior surface of the articular disc of the inferior radioulnar joint

“Understanding the classification of the wrist joint”

Distally

• Scaphoid
• Lunate
• Triquetral

Read And Learn More: Selective Anatomy Notes And Question And Answers

“Importance of studying wrist joint anatomy for healthcare professionals”

Wrist Joint Ligaments

Capsule:

It is attached above to the peripheral margins of the proximal and distal articular surfaces including the articular disc. Distally, it blends with the palmar and dorsal radiocarpal ligaments.

Radial collateral ligament:

It extends from the styloid process of radius to the lateral aspects of scaphoid and trapezium.

Ulnar collateral ligament:

It extends from the styloid process of ulna to the medial aspects of triquetral and pisiform bones.

Wrist Joint Anatomy and Function

Palmar and dorsal radiocarpal ligaments:

These are the thickenings on the palmar and dorsal aspects of the fibrous capsule.

“Common challenges in diagnosing wrist joint injuries”

Wrist Joint Relations

Wrist Joint Anterior

• Superficial: Tendons of flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus
• Intermediate: Radial artery median nerve and flexor digitorum superficialis
• Deep: Tendons flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus

Wrist Joint Posterior:

Extensor tendons of the wrist and fingers with their synovial sheaths.

Wrist Joint Lateral:

Radial artery.

Wrist Joint Nerve supply

• Anterior interosseous nerve
• Posterior interosseous nerve

“Signs of poor wrist joint function in daily activities”

Wrist Joint Movements

Movements and muscles producing them with their nerve supply.

Movements of the Wrist Joint

“Role of the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints in wrist movement”

Wrist Joint Applied anatomy

Colles fracture:

It is fracture of distal end of radius due to fall on outstretched hand with distal fragment being displaced upwards and backwards.

Wrist Joint Classification and Movements

Smith fracture:

It is reverse of Colles fracture due to fall on the back of the hand with distal fragment being displaced upwards and forwards (i.e. palm is flexed).