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# 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 points

- Its fibres run obliquely from the [radius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radius/) near Lister's tubercle towards the ulnar side, ending mainly on the triquetrum
- With the dorsal intercarpal ligament it forms a sideways V (the lateral V) that steadies the [scaphoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scaphoid/) and lunate indirectly: a secondary scapholunate stabiliser
- Its failure, added to a lunotriquetral tear, allows a static VISI deformity

## 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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-tendons/) of the third, fourth and fifth compartments under the [extensor retinaculum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-retinaculum-of-the-wrist/); the [posterior interosseous nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-interosseous-nerve/) ends on the floor of the fourth compartment close by

**Deep**
Dorsal surfaces of the [lunate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lunate/) and [triquetrum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/triquetrum/) and the dorsal part of the [scapholunate ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scapholunate-interosseous-ligament/), with which it merges

**Below**
[Dorsal intercarpal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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

- [Ganglion cyst](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/ganglion-cyst/)

## 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.

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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

- [Dorsal intercarpal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/dorsal-intercarpal-ligament/)
- [Hamate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/hamate/)
- [Lunate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lunate/)
- [Radius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radius/)
- [Scaphoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scaphoid/)
- [Triquetrum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/triquetrum/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Radiocarpal Joint](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539744/); [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-radiocarpal-ligament/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/dorsal-radiocarpal-ligament/