Hand radiography
This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on hand radiography. Hand radiography – AP projection
The hands, wrists, and fingers are the most distal (near the end) part of the upper extremities or upper limbs.
The hand’s complex anatomy gives it excellent flexibility and allows the hand to perform essential functions for everyday life.
The basic parts of the hands may be divided into three sections: the wrist or carpus, the metacarpus or the palm, and the digits or the fingers(1).
The wrist allows the hand to move in different directions. The wrist is where the hands attach to the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna)(2).
The wrist is made up of eight small and irregularly shaped bones. These bones are collectively known as the carpal bones and divided into two groups, based on their location(3).
On the upper side or proximal row of the wrist are the following bones(4):
Meanwhile, on the lower side or distal row of the wrist are(5):
Together with the carpal bones, the wrist joint is made up of soft tissues, such as nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments.
There are four notable ligaments in the wrist joint(6):
Additionally, the wrist joint contains a two-layered joint capsule, which offers additional structural support to the joint(7).
This joint capsule’s inner layer produces synovial fluid, a liquid that ensures the joint is well lubricated(8).
The palm is also known as the metacarpus. The palm is where the muscles that balance finger movements are found(9).
The metacarpus also contains the bones that connect the fingers to the wrist.
The metacarpus consists of five bones(10). Each metacarpal bone features a base, shaft, and head.
The base of the metacarpal bones connects to the carpal bones(11). The rounded head of the metacarpals makes up the knuckles prominently seen on the back of the hand.
The metacarpal heads are also where the bones of the fingers are attached.
The bones are named metacarpal bones 1- 5, starting from the thumb and going to the pinky finger(12).
The hand muscles are divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic muscles(13).
The intrinsic muscles help with motor balance and control. A study noted that intrinsic muscle function may be required for a stronger and more functional grasp or hand closing(14).
The intrinsic muscles are made up of five muscle groups(15):
The extrinsic muscles originate from the forearm and stretch into the hand.
The extrinsic muscles include the flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum profundus, and flexor digitorum superficialis(18).
In medical settings, the fingers are also referred to as digits. The fingers are named digits 1-5, starting from the thumb and ending at the little finger.
One hand has 14 finger bones or phalanges(19). These bones are divided into three parts: the head, base, and shaft or body.
The types of bones in the fingers are(20):
The structure of the thumb differs from that of the other fingers(21). The proximal phalanx of the thumb is shorter and thicker than other phalanges.
Moreover, the thumb does not have a middle phalanx(22). Instead, the proximal phalanx of the thumb connects directly to the distal phalanx.
Reliable knowledge of the hand’s anatomy is crucial for diagnosing acquired and congenital hand conditions.
A small traumatic hand injury may cause significant hand stiffness and eventual loss of function, especially if it is not treated immediately or properly(23).
This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on hand radiography. Hand radiography – AP projection
This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on wrist CT. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the wrist have been used to assess fusion procedures, foreign bodies, masses, and carpal fractures(1). A study suggested that CT scans allow the imaging of the wrist bones during motion(2). This procedure is essential in the diagnosis of vital carpal …
This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on wrist radiographs.
This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on thumb radiograph. The thumb, unlike other fingers, has only two phalanges: the proximal phalanx and the distal phalanx. The metacarpal connects the proximal phalanx of the thumb to the carpal bones, through the trapeze. The metacarpophalangeal joint connects the metacarpal bone to the proximal phalanx. The interphalangeal …
This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on wrist MRI. The wrist consists of multiple joints where the bones of the arm and hand meet to facilitate movement(1). Research showed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrist helps influence clinicians’ diagnoses and management plans(2). MRI is a non-invasive imaging technology that produces detailed images …