Joints and ligaments · Upper limb
Dorsal radiocarpal ligament !
The dorsal radiocarpal ligament runs obliquely on the back of the wrist from the radius to the triquetrum; it holds the wrist bones against the radius.
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What it is
A band on the back of the wrist from the radius to the lunate and triquetrum.
What it does
Holds the wrist bones against the radius from behind.
Key facts
- Attaches
- Dorsal distal radius to lunate and triquetrum
- Function
- Holds the carpus to the radius from behind
- Tight in
- Wrist flexion
Relations
- Superficial
- Extensor tendons of the third, fourth and fifth compartments under the extensor retinaculum; the posterior interosseous nerve ends on the floor of the fourth compartment close by
- Deep
- Dorsal surfaces of the lunate and triquetrum and the dorsal part of the scapholunate ligament, with which it merges
- Below
- Dorsal intercarpal ligament, which leaves the triquetrum alongside it
How to find it
Not felt as a separate band. In a dorsal approach, once the extensor retinaculum is opened over the third or fourth compartment, it appears as an oblique thickening of the capsule from the radius towards the triquetrum.
On imaging
Seen on MRI or MR arthrography as a striated band across the back of the wrist on axial and coronal images. On radiographs its failure is inferred from carpal alignment: on a true lateral view, a lunate tilted palmar with a scapholunate angle under 30 degrees is VISI. Ultrasound shows dorsal ganglia, which arise mostly near the scapholunate ligament beside it.
Clinical notes
- Ligament-sparing dorsal capsulotomy: the capsule is opened along the fibres of this ligament and the dorsal intercarpal ligament as a radially based flap, keeping both working
- Distal posterior interosseous nerve neurectomy, used for chronic dorsal wrist pain, is done on the floor of the fourth compartment right over it
- Dorsal rim fragments of distal radius fractures may carry its origin
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Where does the dorsal radiocarpal ligament run?
Obliquely from the dorsal radius near Lister's tubercle towards the ulnar side, to the lunate and mainly the triquetrum.
What does the dorsal radiocarpal ligament form with the dorsal intercarpal ligament?
A sideways V (the lateral V) that steadies the scaphoid and lunate indirectly, a secondary scapholunate stabiliser.
How is the dorsal radiocarpal ligament preserved in a dorsal approach to the wrist?
By a ligament-sparing capsulotomy along its fibres and those of the dorsal intercarpal ligament, raised as a radially based flap.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- ligamentum radiocarpeum dorsale TA2 1787
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Ligamento radiocarpiano dorsal
- English (TA2)
- Dorsal radiocarpal ligament
- Also called
- dorsal radiotriquetral ligament
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Radiocarpal Joint; Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Wrist Joint.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
