Dorsal Intercarpal Ligaments, Posterior View

Description

Centered on the dorsum of the wrist, the dorsal intercarpal ligaments span between the proximal and distal carpal rows, coursing transversely and obliquely across the capitate and hamate toward the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum. Proximally, the distal radius and ulna frame the radiocarpal and distal radioulnar regions, while distally the metacarpal bases align with the carpus at the carpometacarpal joints. Extensor tendons run superficial to the dorsal capsule in longitudinal bundles toward the digits, and the extensor retinaculum is implied as the tethering band that keeps them apposed to the carpal contour. A blue-highlighted neurovascular structure tracks along the dorsal wrist into the hand, consistent with the course of a dorsal venous channel or the superficial branch of the radial nerve near the radial styloid. Small bones, tight fibers. Dorsal intercarpal ligament anatomy matters when you need to explain why carpal instability patterns are not random. Injury to the dorsal scapholunate and related dorsal capsuloligamentous structures is a driver of dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) and progressive scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist, and a posterior view gives the clearest perspective on the dorsal restraint that surgeons address during dorsal capsulodesis or scapholunate repair. The same surface relationships guide dorsal wrist arthroscopy portals, where extensor tendon compartments and superficial nerves set the safe corridors. Use this artwork in upper-limb anatomy teaching, hand surgery texts covering carpal instability, and radiology or arthroscopy modules that correlate dorsal ligament bands with MRI and arthroscopic findings in scapholunate injury. It also fits patient-facing education for dorsal wrist pain after a fall on the outstretched hand, where explaining ligamentous failure helps set expectations for immobilization versus reconstruction. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.