Gross Anatomy Depicting the Posterior Region of the Female Wrist, Posterior View

Description

Dorsal (posterior) wrist anatomy is presented with the distal forearm transitioning into the carpal region, emphasizing the extensor tendons as they traverse the radiocarpal joint toward the metacarpals. The extensor digitorum and extensor indicis tendons occupy the central dorsal compartment, while extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis course more laterally toward the bases of the second and third metacarpals. Medially, extensor carpi ulnaris tracks along the ulnar head and styloid, with the extensor pollicis longus sweeping obliquely toward the thumb to define the ulnar border of the anatomical snuffbox; the extensor retinaculum spans transversely, binding these tendons against the dorsal distal radius and ulna. Dorsal wrist views matter because extensor tendon pathology and surgical portals are planned from this surface, not the palmar side. Tenosynovitis in the first dorsal compartment (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis) underlies De Quervain disease, while attritional rupture of extensor pollicis longus can follow distal radius fractures as the tendon wraps around Lister tubercle on the dorsal radius. Surface relations are the point. Accurate compartmental anatomy helps avoid iatrogenic tendon injury during dorsal ganglion excision, wrist arthroscopy, and dorsal plating. Use this illustration for upper limb gross anatomy labs, hand surgery teaching files, and orthopedic or radiology publications describing dorsal wrist pain, post fracture tendon complications, or extensor compartment injections. It also supports patient education materials that differentiate dorsal extensor tendons from palmar flexor structures in the distal arm and carpal region. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.