Radiocarpal Joint

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Coronal section through the wrist showing the various joints
Radiocarpal Joint
Primary Type	Synovial Joint
Secondary Type	Condyloid Joint
Bones	Radius, Ulna, Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum
Ligaments	Volar: radial collateral ligament to styloid process, radioscaphocapitate, ligament radiolunate ligament, radioscapholunate ligament; Dorsal: radioscaphoid ligament, radiolunate ligament, radiotriquetral ligament
Muscles	flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus, palmaris longus, flexor carpi radialis and ulnaris, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digitorum, flexor carpi ulnaris, extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, flexor carpi radialis
Innervation	anterior interosseous nerve arising from median nerve (C5-T1), posterior interosseous nerve arising from radial nerve (C7-C8)
Vasculature	Palmar carpal arch (from palmar carpal branches of radial and ulnar arteries, reinforced by anterior interosseous artery and penetrating deep branches of deep palmar arch), dorsal carpal arch (formed by dorsal carpal branches of radial and ulnar arteries, reinforced by anterior and posterior interosseous arteries)
ROM
Volume
Conditions	Abnormal ulnar variance

The radiocarpal joint is formed by the articulation between the distal end of the radius, a bone in the forearm, and the proximal row of carpal bones. The carpal bones involved in this joint are the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum. The ulna, the other bone in the forearm, is not directly involved in the joint but contributes to its stability through the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).

Articular Surfaces

1. Distal Radius: The distal end of the radius articulates with the proximal row of carpal bones, forming a concave surface that allows for smooth movement.
2. Scaphoid: The scaphoid bone is located on the radial (thumb) side of the wrist joint and articulates with the distal radius.
3. Lunate: The lunate bone is situated in the middle of the wrist joint and also articulates with the distal radius.
4. Triquetrum: The triquetrum is the smallest carpal bone involved in the radiocarpal joint and is found on the ulnar (little finger) side. It does not articulate directly with the radius, but rather with the TFCC.

Function

The radiocarpal joint allows for a wide range of movements, including:

1. Flexion: Bending the hand toward the palmar side.
2. Extension: Bending the hand away from the palmar side.
3. Radial Deviation: Moving the hand toward the thumb side (radius).
4. Ulnar Deviation: Moving the hand toward the little finger side (ulna).