Wrist and hand
anatomy
There are two bones in the forearm, the radius and the ulna. These forearm bones meet with the proximal carpal bones to form the wrist. The carpal bones form joints with each other, and meet distally with the metacarpal bones. The metacarpal bones also articulate with the phalanges, which are the bones of the fingers. Digits 2-5 contain 3 phalanges (proximal, intermediate, and distal), while Digit 1 (the thumb) only contains 2 phalanges (proximal and distal).
The anatomy of the wrist is complicated due to the presence of several bones (including long bones, short bones, and sesamoid bones), as well as many intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles. Extrinsic hand muscles refer to muscles that lie within the forearm, but insert in the hand to contribute to hand and finger movements. Intrinsic hand muscles refer to muscles that both originate and insert in the hand, and contribute to finger movements.
The anatomy of the wrist is complicated due to the presence of several bones (including long bones, short bones, and sesamoid bones), as well as many intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles. Extrinsic hand muscles refer to muscles that lie within the forearm, but insert in the hand to contribute to hand and finger movements. Intrinsic hand muscles refer to muscles that both originate and insert in the hand, and contribute to finger movements.
Bones of the forearm and wrist
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Ligaments of the wristExtrinsic ligaments stabilize the joints between the radius and ulna and the hand:
Intrinsic ligaments stabilize the joints within the hand:
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JointsThere are quite a few joints of the hand, which can be classified into the following major groups:
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Conditions of the Wrist and Hand:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Dupuytren's Contracture
Myositis Ossificans
Trigger Finger
Wrist Fractures
Wrist Sprains
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Dupuytren's Contracture
Myositis Ossificans
Trigger Finger
Wrist Fractures
Wrist Sprains