Review Question - QID 5913

The three identified structures are the volar extrinsic ligaments of the wrist from radial to ulnar: radioscaphocapitate, long radiolunate, short radiolunate.

During wrist arthroscopy the 3-4 portal is commonly used as a viewing portal. The portal is placed between the 3rd and 4th dorsal compartments (between the EPL and the EDC). Through this portal you can clearly visualize the volar extrinsic ligaments, which are the (from radial to ulnar) radioscaphocapitate, long radiolunate, and short radiolunate. When looking volarly one can also visualize the ligament of Testut, or the radioscapholunate ligament. It can be seen just radial to the scapholunate ligament and is considered a vestigial structure or vascular conduit rather than a true structural ligament.

Bettinger et al. provide a review of arthroscopic anatomy of the wrist with a focus on what structures can be observed and evaluated during the procedure from radiocarpal and midcarpal portals.

Berger provides a review of pertinent arthroscopic anatomy of the wrist. It starts with surface anatomy and landmarks, and goes on to describe arthroscopic views as well. It focuses on a systematic approach to a thorough evaluation of the wrist.

In another review by Berger he describes the ligamentous anatomy of the wrist. He notes that the volar extrinsic ligaments from radial to ulnar are the radioscaphocapitate, long radiolunate, and short radiolunate ligaments. There are also volar ulnocarpal ligaments. He also describes the distal radioulnar joint and the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex.

Figure A is an arthroscopic view of the volar extrinsic ligaments of the wrist. They are labeled 1-3 from radial to ulnar.

Incorrect answers:
Answers 2 and 3: These are not the proper order of the volar extrinsic ligaments of the wrist.
Answers 4 and 5: These are DORSAL extrinsic ligaments.