Short Radiolunate Ligament

Description

Palmar radiocarpal ligaments are illustrated; the short radiolunate ligament is on the lower left

Short radiolunate ligament

right1. Short radiolunate ligament (SRL) 2. Radioscapholunate ligament (RSL) 3. Long radiolunate ligament (LRL) 4. Radioscaphocapitate ligament (RSC) 5.6.7. The area between the scaphoid ligament and the dorsal radiocarpal ligaments (DRC) is divided into three regions of 5.6.7 8. The dorsal radiocarpal ligaments (DRC) 9. Dorsal radioulnar ligament (DRU) 10. Radial sigmoid notch 11. Palmar radioulnar ligament (volar radioulnar ligament (VRU).

Names

• Short radiolunate ligament (SRL)
• Volar radiolunate ligament
• Palmar radiolunate ligament
• Radiolunate portion of the volar radiocarpal ligament
• Ligamentum radiolunatum breve

General

• One of the intracapsular, extrinsic palmar radiocarpal ligaments
• Forms part of the palmar radiocarpal ligament complex
• Arises from the distal radius to insert on the palmar horn of the lunate
• Works in series with the ulnolunate ligament

Function

• Strengthens the articulate capsule of the radiocarpal joint
• Ensures the hand follows the radius during supination
• Volar stabilization of the wrist and lunate

Ultrasound Features

• Place transducer at volar aspect of slightly extended wrist in longitudinal plane
• Long axis of the ligament displaces echogenic, fibrillary structure attaching to distal radius to the lunate

MRI Features

• Best visualized on sagittal or 3D views
• Can also be seen on coronal images
• Appears as a hypointense structure anterior to the radiocarpal joint, deep to flexor tendons

---

Clinical Significance

• Lunate Dislocation
• Carpal Instability

---

See Also

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

---