7. Joints of the wrist and the hand - general remarks.

Introduction

24+25

Radocarpal joint :-

• Also known as the wrist joint.
• Type: Ellipsoid synovial joint.
• It's formed by the articulation between the distal end of the radius bone and the proximal raw of carpal bones scaphoid lunate & the triquetrum.

* Ulnar bone doesn't join in the wrist joint.

Capsule:

The fibrous Capsule:

• Above, it is attached to the distal ends of radius and ulna + the articular disc of inferior radio-ulnar joint.
• Below, it is attached to the proximal row of carpal bones EXCEPT pisiform.

Synovial membrane

It lines the fibrous capsule.

Ligaments:

• Anterior and posterior ligaments of the wrist.
• Radial collateral ligament (styloid process of radius + scaphoid).
• Ulnar collateral ligament (styloid process of ulna + triquetrum).

* The articulation between the distal radius & triquetrum bone is indirect, mediated by a biconcave structure known as triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Intercarpal joints:

• Type: synovial plane joints
• Connect the carpal bones.
• The gather 3 sets of joints:
• Joints of the proximal carpal raw.
• ↳ Connect the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum.
• Joints of the distal carpal raw
• ↳ Connect the trapezoid, capitate & hamate.
• Midcarpal joint:
• ↳ Connect the 2 carpal rows.
• The movement at the carpal joints is limited.
• ↳ Such as flexion, extension, abduction & adduction.

Ligaments:

1. Dorsal intercarpal ligaments
2. Palmar intercarpal ligaments
3. Interosseous ligaments