Wrist Anatomy - Superficial

These diagrams display some of the main features of superficial wrist anatomy.

The wrist flexors - palmaris longus , pronator teres , Flexor carpi radialis and ulnaris - are found on the anterior arm originating on the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Medial Epicondylitis ( golfers elbow) can be diagnosed by pain on extending the wrist - this action streches these muscles.

The wrist extensors - extensor carpi radialis brevis and brevis , and extensor carpi ulnaris are located on the posterior arm , originating on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. The supinator muscle can also be found in this region. Lateral Epicondylitis ( tennis elbow ) can be diagnosed by pain on flexing the wrist - this action streches these muscles.

The movements of the wrist are displayed in the active movement video

Wrist Anatomy - Skeletal and Muscular

The main joints of wrist are as labelled: the inferior radio ulnar joint - a synovial pivot joint - and the radio carpal joint - a condyloid type of pivot joint.

A downloadable excel databade base of the main muscles acting on the wrist can be found online.

Wrist Case Studies

The following elbow case studies are available online as downloadable word files. Their presentation follows the same pattern as all of the musculoskeletal case studies in this portfolio

Wrist Case Study No.1 - Colles fracture

Wrist Case Study No.2 - De Quervains