Joints and ligaments · Upper limb
Dorsal intercarpal ligament !
The dorsal intercarpal ligament runs across the back of the wrist from the triquetrum; it ties the wrist bones together from behind.
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What it is
A band across the back of the wrist from the triquetrum to the scaphoid.
What it does
Ties the first row of wrist bones together from behind.
Key facts
- Attaches
- Triquetrum to scaphoid and trapezium
- Function
- Ties the proximal row together dorsally
- Tight in
- Wrist flexion
Relations
- Superficial
- Extensor tendons of the second to fifth compartments: ECRL and ECRB, EPL tendon, extensor digitorum and extensor indicis, extensor digiti minimi
- Deep
- Dorsal surfaces of the triquetrum, lunate, scaphoid and distal row; the head of the capitate in the midcarpal joint beneath
- Above
- Dorsal radiocarpal ligament, which converges on the triquetrum with it
How to find it
Not felt as a separate band. In the dorsal approach it is the transverse thickening of the capsule just distal to the dorsal radiocarpal ligament, forming the distal limb of the V.
On imaging
MRI shows it as a thin band across the dorsal carpus from the triquetrum toward the scaphoid, best on coronal and axial images. Radiographs cannot show it; a scapholunate gap wider than about 3 mm on a PA clenched-fist view, or a dorsally tilted lunate (DISI) on the lateral, means the scapholunate complex and its dorsal support have failed.
Clinical notes
- Dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis: a strip of it is used to tether the scaphoid in some scapholunate instability repairs
- Split along its fibres in the ligament-sparing dorsal approach to the wrist
- Most dorsal wrist ganglia grow from the dorsal scapholunate region, deep to this ligament; excision takes the stalk with a small window of capsule
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What are the attachments of the dorsal intercarpal ligament?
From the triquetrum to the scaphoid and trapezium, sharing its triquetral origin with the dorsal radiocarpal ligament.
How does the dorsal intercarpal ligament help the scapholunate joint?
Its scaphoid attachment blends with the dorsal scapholunate ligament, helping keep the scapholunate gap closed.
What procedure uses a strip of the dorsal intercarpal ligament?
Dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis, which tethers the scaphoid in some scapholunate instability repairs.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- ligamenta intercarpea dorsalia TA2 1806
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Ligamentos intercarpianos dorsales
- English (TA2)
- Dorsal intercarpal ligament
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Carpal Bones; Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Wrist Joint.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
