Distal Radius Anatomy

  • Distal radius articulates primarily with scaphoid and lunate but also with the distal ulnar head.
  • The distal radius had three facets: scaphoid facet, lunate facet, and the sigmoid notch.
  • The radiocarpal joint allows flexion/extension; ulnar and radial deviation.
  • Sigmoid notch is a small concavity on the medial side of the distal radius where the head of the ulna articulates.
  • Rotation (supination and pronation) occurs via the distal radioulnar joint which is the joint between the ulnar head and the sigmoid notch.
  • Ulnarly the distal radius and the ulna attach to the TFCC. The TFCC articulates with the triquetrum distally and the ulnar head proximally.
  • Bony surface landmarks on the distal radius include the radial styloid with its dorsal groove for the EBP and APL and the Lister’s tubercle dorsally which provides a pivot point for the EPL.
  • The radial styloid process is a bony prominence located on the lateral (radial) aspect of the radius and serves as an attachment point for ligaments that connect to the radius to the carpal bones
Diagrams & Photos
  • Anatomy of distal radius. Note Lister's tubercle and carpal bones ( T-triquetrum, L-lunate, & S-scaphoid)
    Anatomy of distal radius. Note Lister's tubercle and carpal bones ( T-triquetrum, L-lunate, & S-scaphoid)
  • X-ray of distal radius and ulna
    X-ray of distal radius and ulna
  • CT of distal radius and ulna
    CT of distal radius and ulna
Key Points
  • Palmarly the distal radius attaches to the carpus via the radioscaphocapitate ligament and the long and short radiolunate ligaments.
  • Dorsally the distal radius attaches to the carpus with the radioscaphoid ligament, the radiotriquetral ligament, and dorsal capsule.
  • Carpal bones of the first carpal row are interconnected by the interosseous (intrinsic) ligaments; the scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments.
Anatomy References
Anatomic Abbreviations
Hand Surgery Resource Anatomy Diagnostic Guide (Chapter)