radiocarpal joint

anatomy

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The radiocarpal joint is a crucial component of the wrist, connecting the radius bone of the forearm to the first row of carpal bones. This articulation is primarily responsible for the wrist's flexion and extension movements. The wrist itself is a complex structure made up of eight carpal bones arranged in two rows, along with the distal radioulnar joint, midcarpal joint, and intercarpal joints. These numerous bones and their articulations allow for the wrist's significant flexibility and range of motion. The entire wrist structure is enclosed within a capsule of cartilage, synovial membrane, and ligaments, which help stabilize the hand during rotational movements. Problems like carpal tunnel syndrome can arise from the compression of nerves passing through the narrow carpal tunnel within the wrist.1

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wrist
…for the forearm bones; the radiocarpal joint, between the radius and the first row of carpal bones, involved in wrist flexion and extension; the midcarpal joint, between two of the rows of carpal bones; and various intercarpal joints, between adjacent carpal bones within the rows. The numerous bones and their…
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…for the forearm bones; the radiocarpal joint, between the radius and the first row of carpal bones, involved in wrist flexion and extension; the midcarpal joint, between two of the rows of carpal bones; and various intercarpal joints, between adjacent carpal bones within the rows. The numerous bones and their…
Read More