MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
REHABILITATION SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

I. SKELETAL FRAMEWORK

A. WRIST JOINT - complex joint that has three components.

  1. Radiocarpal (condyloid) - formed with the radius and the scaphoid, lunate & triquetrum.

  2. Distal radial-ulnar (trochoid)- allows for supination/pronation.

  3. Intercarpal (gliding) - divided into three groups:

B. CARPAL BONES

  1. Scaphoid - receives the majority of force transmitted through the radius. Most frequently fractured carpal bone. Poor vascular supply.
  2. Lunate - most frequently dislocated carpal bone.
  3. Triquetrum - forms facet for articulation with pisiform.
  4. Pisiform - pea-shaped, found within tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris. Provides attachment for flexor and extensor retinaculum.
  5. Trapezium - serves as attachment for flexor retinaculum. Saddle-shaped bone which provides articulation for the thumb at the CMC joint.
  6. Trapezoid - smallest carpal bone in distal row.
  7. Capitate - largest, most central carpal bone. Articulates with seven other bones, "keystone of the wrist".
  8. Hamate - hook-shaped bone that provides protection for the ulnar artery and nerve.

C. METACARPAL BONES

  1. Carpometacarpal Joints - the distal row of carpal bones articulates with the five metacarpal bones.

D. METACARPAL-PHALANGEAL JOINTS (condyloid)

  1. allow for flexion and extension of the digits at the MCP articulation in addition to abduction and adduction of the digit.

E. INTERPHALANGEAL JOINTS (ginglymus/hinge)

  1. Proximal Interphalangeal Joint - allows for flexion and extension at digits II-V.
  2. Distal Interphalangeal Joint - allows for flexion and extension at digits II-V.
  3. Interphalangeal Joint - thumb has only one IP joint. Allows for flexion/extension.

Innervation, Blood Supply and Tendons of the Wrist and Hand-Muscles of the Hand -Movements of the Hand - Surface Anatomy of the Hand -The Elbow - Wrist and Hand Index

Last modified:9:21 PM on 10/19/96

© 1996 Reigart, Murphy