Arthroscopic anatomy of the wrist and distal radioulnar joint.

Abstract

A thorough and accurate understanding of the gross and arthroscopic anatomy of the wrist and distal radioulnar joints is a prerequisite for effective arthroscopy. This article describes the surface anatomy of the radiocarpal, midcarpal, and distal radioulnar joints, and provides a detailed review of the gross and arthroscopic features of the ligaments of the wrist and distal radioulnar joints. The article is written in a manner that allows the arthroscopist to perform a comprehensive survey of the entire wrist and distal radioulnar joint in a systematic fashion, with correlation to the extra-articular gross anatomy of those structures observed within the joint.