Posterior Perspective of the Hamate Bone

Description

Viewed from the posterior (dorsal) aspect of a male wrist, the carpal bones are arranged in their proximal and distal rows with the metacarpal bases distal and the distal radius and ulna proximal. Centrally in the proximal row, the lunate is highlighted, sitting distal to the radius and medial to the scaphoid, with the triquetrum positioned ulnar to it. Distal to the lunate, the capitate occupies a more central position, while the hamate lies ulnarly in the distal row, articulating proximally with the triquetrum and laterally with the capitate. Dorsal carpal anatomy is the backdrop for some of the wrist’s most consequential injury patterns. The lunate’s relationship to the radius and capitate is the key teaching point when distinguishing perilunate dislocation from lunate dislocation, where the capitate typically displaces dorsally while the lunate may rotate volarly (spilled teacup) and compress the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Small surface landmarks matter here, including the dorsal ridge of the triquetrum and the ulnar-sided contour of the hamate, which help orient the distal row during reduction planning and screw or K-wire trajectories. Use this asset in gross anatomy and orthopedic teaching on carpal row alignment, in radiology modules that pair dorsal views with PA and lateral wrist films, and in hand surgery references discussing carpal instability patterns and fixation landmarks. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.