![]() In the wrist, the ligaments are the passive supports that ensure that the structure of the joint is maintained. Think of the joint as a "helper joint" in that alone it cannot perform the motions, but rather boosts the radiocarpal joint's range. There is not as much motion available in this "joint" as the radiocarpal, but these bones glide to allow to the same motions as the radiocarpal joint. While not an Isolated single joint, the midcarpal joint is essential for achieving end-range motion into extension (something acrobats require). The midcarpal joint: This is the intersection of the proximal row and the distal row of carpals.This joint also allows a side to side glide which causes the hand and wrist to "tilt" left and right into radial deviation and ulnar deviation. For this reason, often the radiocarpal joint is hypermobile (extra flexible), bordering on unstable, and is very susceptible to injury. In gymnastics/acrobatics/yoga, more extension is required than most other sports as weight bearing forces the wrist into that position. This joint allows the hand and wrist to move down (palmar flexion) and up (extension or dorsiflexion). The proximal row of carpals is convex on the concave radius. It is a true synovial joint, meaning that there is a joint capsule containing lubricating fluid within. The radiocarpal joint: This is the intersection of the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpals (as described above).The stability of this joint is essential for any weight bearing on the hand and wrist as it creates the "mortice" for the proximal carpals. This is best described as a "pivot" joint and allows (in conjunction with the proximal radioulnar joint at the elbow) the forearm to pronate (turn down) and supinate (turn up). This is not a synovial joint, but rather exists because of the interosseus membrane (a thick ligamentous structure that connects them). The distal radioulnar joint: This is the point just prior to the wrist where the radius and ulna connect.It wouldn't be reasonable to breakdown all of the joints - rather just recognizing that they exist is sufficient for the goals of this post.įor our purposes, we need only look at three of the more functional joints in the wrist: Articular cartilage covers the ends of each of the bones where they meet in a joint, thus improving glide and protecting joint integrity. This means that technically, there are "dozens" of small joints in the wrist that assist in allowing the versatility of movement that our hands and wrists require to function. One reason that the wrist is so complicated is that every small bone forms a joint with the other small bones adjacent to it (aka "Intercarpal Joints").
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