Wrist (radiocarpal) joint
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- Is a synovial condylar joint formed superiorly by the radius and the articular disk and inferiorly by the proximal row of carpal bones (scaphoid, lunate, and rarely triquetrum),exclusive of the pisiform.
- Has a capsule that is strengthened by radial and ulnar collateral ligaments and dorsal and palmar radiocarpal ligaments.
- Allows flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and circumduction.
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Midcarpal joint
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- Forms a synovial plane joint between the proximal and distal rows of carpal bones and allows
- gliding and sliding movements.
- Is a compound articulation: laterally, the scaphoid articulates with the trapezium and trapezoid, forming a plane joint ; and medially, the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum articulate with the capitate and hamate, forming a condylar (ellipsoidal type) joint.
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Carpometacarpal joints
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- Form synovial saddle (sellar) joints between the carpal bone (trapezium) and the first metacarpal bone, allowing flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and circumduction.
- Also form plane joints between the carpal bones and the medial four metacarpal bones, allowing a simple gliding movement.
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Metacarpophalangeal joints
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- Are condyloid joints, supported by a palmar ligament and two collateral ligaments, and allow flexion and extension and abduction and adduction.
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Interphalangeal joints
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- Are hinge joints, supported by a palmar ligament and two collateral ligaments, and allow
flexion and extension.
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