Male Wrist, Lateral View

Description

From a lateral (radial-to-ulnar) perspective of the adult male wrist, the distal radius and ulna frame the proximal carpal row, with the scaphoid and lunate positioned immediately distal to the radial articular surface and the triquetrum more ulnar and slightly posterior. The capitate dominates the central carpus distal to the lunate, while the trapezium and trapezoid sit anterior and distal toward the base of the first and second metacarpals. Dorsally, the extensor retinaculum spans the distal forearm to the carpus, and volarly the flexor retinaculum bridges the carpal arch toward the tubercle of the scaphoid and pisiform. A tight transition zone. Lateral wrist anatomy is where alignment errors become obvious: the scapholunate interval, dorsal intercalated segment instability patterns, and the relationship of the capitate to the lunate are best taught when the carpal rows are read as a stacked column rather than a flat surface. This orientation also tracks common injury mechanisms, including scaphoid waist fractures after a fall on an outstretched hand and ulnar-sided pain syndromes tied to the triquetrum and the triangular fibrocartilage complex at the distal radioulnar joint. Clear landmarks support interpretation of lateral radiographs and surgical planning for dorsal wrist approaches. Use this image in upper limb anatomy teaching, hand surgery references discussing carpal instability and fracture patterns, and patient education materials explaining why the wrist (carpus) is a narrow, load-bearing junction between the distal arm and hand. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.