Female Wrist, Lateral View

Description

Seen from the lateral aspect, the female wrist is organized around the distal radius and ulna proximally and the carpal bones distally, with the radiocarpal joint line separating forearm from carpus. The scaphoid and lunate sit anterior to the distal radius, while the triquetrum and pisiform form the ulnar side of the proximal carpal row, and the capitate aligns more centrally in the distal row. Palmar to the carpus, the flexor tendons course toward the hand beneath the flexor retinaculum, while dorsally the extensor tendons pass in their compartments under the extensor retinaculum. Ligamentous bands around the joint capsule define the margins. Clear orientation. A true lateral perspective maps wrist motion in the sagittal plane with minimal ambiguity, making it the cleanest way to teach and assess flexion and extension at the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints. Clinically, that same plane is central for recognizing dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) after scapholunate ligament injury, where the lunate tilts dorsally and the normal carpal arcs break down on lateral radiographs. It also supports procedural planning for dorsal wrist arthroscopy portals and for splinting positions that offload the scaphoid after suspected occult fracture. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and kinesiology teaching on carpal alignment, in orthopedic and hand surgery texts discussing lateral wrist radiographic landmarks, and in patient education materials explaining sagittal-plane range of motion following sprain, fracture, or tendon irritation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.