The wrist joint is one of the components of the complex joint of the hand. This is a double-joint joint, the shape of the articular surfaces is ellipsoidal. Movements in it are possible in the sagittal plane, that is, flexion and extension, in the frontal plane - abduction and reduction, circular.
The wrist joint includes a wide and thin capsule, the upper edge of which is attached to the radius and articular disc, and the lower to the articular surfaces of the first row of the carpal bones. The capsule is strengthened by ligaments on all sides.
The projection of the slit of the wrist joint is an arcuate line connecting the styloid processes of the ulna and radius.
On the palmar surface, the wrist joint has two synovial sheaths for the flexor tendons of the fingers, a ligament-retainer of the flexors is located more superficially above them. On the opposite side are extensor tendons, enclosed in six synovial sheaths, and more superficially there is an extensor retainer.
The wrist joint has anatomical and topographic landmarks. These include: the head of the ulna, the Lister tubercle (located on the radius), the styloid processes of both bones, the pea-shaped bone, the “anatomical” snuff box, in the proximal part of which the styloid process of the radius, and the grooves of the joint (proximal, distal and back) are located.
Various processes can alter the normal anatomical ratio of parts of a joint. In the study, it is necessary to pay attention to the condition of the skin: the color and safety of its pattern, as well as the safety of the physiological dimensions of the joint, configuration, and the condition of the already indicated anatomical and topographic landmarks. The condition of the palmar aponeurosis, tendons, muscles of the hand and forearm can also tell a lot. Both joints must be examined at the same time.
Often there is such a pathology as a hygroma of the wrist joint, which is a tumor-like cystic formation.
How does she look? This formation forms an uneven skin swelling, in diameter which can reach very large sizes - several centimeters. The hygroma is filled with a jelly-like mass, which causes a sharp pain when you touch it. A hygroma is formed from the joint itself. A variety of reasons can be provoking factors: increased physical activity, injuries, and so on. Often there is a hygroma on the back side, however, it can occur on the finger flexor muscles and on the inner surface of the wrist joint . Hygroma disrupts the normal functioning of the joint, causes severe pain, so it must be treated. The most effective method is surgical treatment.
Often, through negligence, a fracture of the wrist joint occurs. The most common is a fracture of the radial bone at its distal end, which is also called a Collis fracture. It occurs when falling on an arm extended forward, resting on the hand, most often found in women in old age.
Fracture treatment is carried out as standard: either conservatively - by applying gypsum, or operatively - metal osteosynthesis is used.
If the correct and timely help is not provided, joint contractures may develop , which cause a subsequent restriction in joint movements associated with scarring in the joint capsule, tendons and muscles, as well as severe pain. Therefore, any injuries must be treated as soon as possible. Timely rehabilitation helps to avoid complications.