Palmar Radiocarpal Ligament Complex

Description

Schematic diagram of volar extrinsic wrist ligaments. RSC volar radioscaphocapitate ligament, RLT volar radiolunotriquetral ligament, RSL volar radioscapholunate ligament, LRL long radiolunate ligament, UL volar ulnolunate ligament, UT volar ulnotriquetral ligament, TFCC articular disc of triangular fibrocartilage complex, Tm trapezium, Tz trapezoid, S scaphoid, C capitate, L lunate, H hamate, T triquetrium

Palmar radiocarpal ligaments are illustrated

Name

• Palmar Radiocarpal Ligament Complex
• Palmer Radiocarpal Ligaments
• Volar Radiocarpal Ligaments

General

• Group of ligaments which attach the palmar distal radius to palmar carpal bones

Radioscaphocapitate Ligament

• Origin: radial styloid process
• Insert: scaphoid, capitate

Long Radiolunate Ligament

• Origin: radioscaphocapitate ligament
• Insert: lunate

Short Radiolunate Ligament

• Origin: palmar to the lunate facet of the distal radius articular surface
• Insert: lunate

Radioscapholunate Ligament

• AKA: Ligamentum radioscapholunatum
• Origin: palmar lip of the distal radius, between the long and short radiolunate ligaments
• Insert: scaphoid, lunate; blends with the scapholunate interosseous ligament

Function

• Strengthens the articular capsule of the radiocarpal joint
• Oblique nature of the ligaments ensures that the hand follows the radius during supination of the forearm

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Clinical Significance

• Distal Radius Fracture
• Colles Fracture

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See Also

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

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