Triquetrum Bone, Anterior View

Description

Positioned on the ulnar side of the proximal carpal row, the triquetrum (os triquetrum) sits distal to the ulna and triangular fibrocartilage complex region, medial to the lunate, and proximal to the hamate. An anterior (palmar) orientation places its palmar surface facing the viewer, with the pisiform lying anterior to it as a sesamoid within the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris. Distally, the ulnar metacarpals and proximal phalanges align in series beyond the distal carpal row. Small bone, big landmark. Clinical teaching often hinges on getting the triquetrum’s relationships right because its apparent position changes with view and it can be overlooked next to the scaphoid and lunate. Dorsal triquetral avulsion fractures are among the most common carpal fractures after a fall on the outstretched hand, and correlating the bony anatomy to pain at the dorsoulnar wrist helps frame why a small cortical fragment on a lateral wrist radiograph matters. Palmar appreciation also supports discussion of pisotriquetral arthrosis and ulnar-sided wrist pain patterns, where the pisiform overlies the triquetrum and can obscure the joint line on standard projections. Ideal for wrist and hand modules in gross anatomy, orthopedic teaching files, and radiology primers that need a clean reference for carpal bone identification and proximal row alignment. It also fits well in patient education materials explaining ulnar-sided carpal injury mechanisms, casting considerations, or post-traumatic pain localization. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.