Ranteiden

Ranteiden is the genitive plural form of the Finnish noun ranne, meaning wrist. In Finnish, ranteiden denotes possession or relation to the wrists.

In human anatomy, the wrist is the complex joint that connects the forearm to the hand. It comprises two main joints: the radiocarpal joint, formed by the distal radius and the articular disc with the proximal row of carpal bones, and the midcarpal joint, which lies between the two carpal rows. The eight carpal bones are arranged in two rows: proximal (scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform) and distal (trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate). The wrist is stabilized by several ligaments, including the palmar and dorsal radiocarpal ligaments, the ulnocarpal ligaments and the intercarpal ligaments. The flexor retinaculum forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, which houses the median nerve and several flexor tendons.

Movements of the wrist include flexion and extension, along with radial (thumb side) and ulnar (little finger side) deviation. These motions are produced by the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints and are coordinated with movements at the distal radioulnar joint in the forearm.

Clinically, wrist problems are common and include distal radius fractures (such as Colles fractures), carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, and Kienböck’s disease affecting the lunate. Diagnosis relies on physical examination and imaging such as X-ray, MRI or CT. Treatment ranges from splinting and rehabilitation to surgical intervention, depending on the condition and its severity.