Handgelenks

Handgelenks, in English the wrist joint, is the complex set of articulations that connects the forearm to the hand. It enables a wide range of hand movements while providing stability during daily tasks. The wrist is formed by the distal ends of the radius and ulna and the proximal row of carpal bones, with additional joints between the carpal rows.

Anatomy and joints

The main articulation is the radiocarpal joint, where the distal radius (together with the articular disc) meets the proximal carpal row, especially the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum. A second set of joints, the midcarpal joints, lie between the proximal and distal carpal rows and contribute substantially to wrist motion. The eight carpal bones are arranged in two rows: the proximal row (scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform) and the distal row (trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate). Ligaments provide stability, including the volar (palmar) and dorsal radiocarpal ligaments and the ulnar and radial collateral ligaments, as well as numerous intercarpal ligaments.

Nerve, vessels and innervation

The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, a fibroosseous passage on the palmar side of the wrist, and supplies most of the flexor muscles of the forearm to the hand. The ulnar and radial nerves contribute to sensation and motor function in parts of the hand. Blood supply comes primarily from branches of the radial and ulnar arteries, forming arterial networks around the wrist.

Function and clinical relevance

The wrist supports flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation, and circumduction. Common clinical issues include carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist sprains, ganglion cysts, and fractures of the distal radius or scaphoid. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination and imaging; treatment ranges from splinting and physical therapy to surgical interventions such as carpal tunnel release or fracture fixation.