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# 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 points

- Shares its triquetral origin with the dorsal radiocarpal ligament: the two form the lateral V on the back of the carpus
- Its scaphoid attachment blends with the dorsal [scapholunate ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scapholunate-interosseous-ligament/), so it helps keep the scapholunate gap closed
- Crosses both carpal rows, so it acts on the midcarpal joint as well as the proximal row

## Key facts

**Attaches**
Triquetrum to scaphoid and [trapezium](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/trapezium/)

**Function**
Ties the proximal row together dorsally

**Tight in**
Wrist flexion

## Relations

**Superficial**
[Extensor tendons](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-tendons/) of the second to fifth compartments: [ECRL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-carpi-radialis-longus/) and [ECRB](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-carpi-radialis-brevis/), [EPL tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-pollicis-longus-tendon/), [extensor digitorum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum/) and [extensor indicis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-indicis/), [extensor digiti minimi](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digiti-minimi/)

**Deep**
Dorsal surfaces of the [triquetrum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/triquetrum/), [lunate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lunate/), [scaphoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scaphoid/) and distal row; the head of the [capitate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/capitate/) in the midcarpal joint beneath

**Above**
[Dorsal radiocarpal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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.

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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

- [Scapholunate ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scapholunate-interosseous-ligament/)
- [Dorsal radiocarpal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/dorsal-radiocarpal-ligament/)
- [Capitate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/capitate/)
- [Hamate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/hamate/)
- [Lunate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lunate/)
- [Scaphoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scaphoid/)
- [Trapezium](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/trapezium/)
- [Trapezoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/trapezoid/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Carpal Bones](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535382/); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Wrist Joint](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534779/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/dorsal-intercarpal-ligament/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/dorsal-intercarpal-ligament/