Distal Carpal Row Joints

Description

Normal anatomy of the carpal bones. Diagram of the wrist (frontal view) shows the eight carpal bones and the three carpal arcs (Gilula arcs), which are shown as pink (arc I), blue (arc II), and red (arc III) lines. C (capitate), H (hamate), L (lunate), P (pisiform), S (scaphoid), Tm (trapezium), Td (trapezoid), Tr (triquetrum)

Wrist radiograph with carpal bones labeled

Name

• Joints of the Distal Carpal Row
• Distal Carpal Articulations
• Distal Intercarpal Joints
• Distal Carpal Joint Complex
• Distal Carpal Row Articulations
• Joints of the Distal Carpus

General

• Connects the adjacent trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate
• Substantially less mobility than the proximal carpal row
• Contributes to the intercarpal joints of the hand

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal Joint

• Joint shared by scaphoid, trapezium, trapezoid
• Dome shaped joint on the radial side of the wrist

Trapezoideocapitate Joint

• Articulation of the trapezoid and capitate
• Stabilized by the capitotrapezoid ligament of the palmar midcarpal ligaments

Capitohamate Joint

• Articulation of the hamate and capitate

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Clinical Significance

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal Joint

• Scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal Joint Arthritis
• Scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal Joint Injection

Capitohamate Joint

• Carpal Coalition

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See Also

• Wrist Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Wrist
• Hand Pain Main

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