Capsule of the Distal Radioulnar Joint, Anterior View

Description

From an anterior wrist perspective, the fibrous capsule of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) wraps the articulation between the ulnar head and the ulnar notch of the distal radius, just proximal to the carpal row. Distal radius and distal ulna sit in close apposition, with the capsule spanning their anterior margins and blending peripherally with the volar radioulnar ligament component of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Distally, the metacarpals and phalanges extend into the hand, while superficial fibrous bands and tendon-like structures traverse toward the digits. A tight space. Clinically, the anterior capsule of the DRUJ matters because it becomes the restraint you tension during forearm rotation, and it is frequently implicated in TFCC-related DRUJ instability when patients report ulnar-sided wrist pain and painful pronation-supination after a fall on an outstretched hand. This anterior view also clarifies why DRUJ reduction and stability depend on the relationship of the ulnar head to the distal radius, and why dorsal or volar subluxation patterns can be inferred from which capsuloligamentous fibers fail. For operative planning, it helps orient the volar approach corridor relative to the joint line and surrounding soft tissue planes. Use this artwork to support upper limb anatomy teaching in gross anatomy and orthopaedic modules, or as a figure in hand surgery, sports medicine, and radiology texts when explaining DRUJ instability, TFCC tears, and ulnar-sided wrist pain workups (including correlation with MRI arthrography and wrist arthroscopy landmarks). It also fits patient-facing education for post-injury immobilization rationales that limit pronation-supination. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.