Wrist joint

The radiocarpal joint (art. radiocarpea) is the articulation of the bones of the forearm with the hand. The joint is formed by the carpal articular surface of the radius and the articular disc, which has a triangular shape, as well as the proximal row of carpal bones (scaphoid, lunate, triquetral bones). The articular capsule is thin, attached along the edges of the articulating surfaces, reinforced with ligaments.

• The radial collateral ligament of the wrist (lig. collaterale carpi radiale) begins on the styloid process of the radius and goes to the scaphoid bone.
• The ulnar collateral ligament of the wrist (lig. collaterale carpi ulnare) goes from the styloid process of the ulna to the triquetral and pisiform bones of the wrist.
• The palmar radiocarpal ligament (lig. radiocarpeum palmare) connects the anterior edge of the articular surface of the radius with the bones of the first row of the wrist (scaphoid, lunate, triquetral), as well as with the capitate bone.
• The dorsal radiocarpal ligament (lig. radiocarpeum dorsale) extends from the posterior edge of the articular surface of the radius and is attached by several bundles to the dorsal side of the wrist bones located in the first row.

The wrist joint is complex in its structure, and ellipsoidal in the shape of its articular surfaces, with two axes of movement (frontal and sagittal).

In the wrist joint, ellipsoid in shape, flexion and extension of the hand is performed relative to the frontal axis within the range of up to 100°, around the sagittal axis (abduction - adduction) movement is possible in a volume of up to 70°. Circular movement in the wrist joint is the addition of successive movements relative to the sagittal and frontal axes.