X-ray of a Child's Hand and Wrist

You selected: introduction

This X-ray has been taken of a child's hand and wrist. Note the epiphyseal gaps, particularly evident at the ends of the radius and the ulna. Also note the gaps between the carpal bones of the wrist. In an adult, the average space is no more than 2mm.

The carpal bones can be divided into two rows, proximal - from left to right in the image: pisiform, triquetral, lunate, and scaphoid; and distal (closest to the fingers..) - hamate, capitate, trapezoid, and trapezium. The wrist consists of two primary joints - the radiocarpal joint, and intercarpal joints. None of the carpal bones articulate directly with the ulna of the forearm.

The convex alignment of the bones forms a channel anteriorly - the carpal tunnel. Many nerves, tendons and other important structres pass thorugh this tunnel to reach the hand. Compression can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Click on the image to learn more about specific features. Alternatively you may view this image with all annotations, or with the introductory comments.

Return to your starting page.

Information
Module Name: hand_wrist
Module Title: X-ray of a Child's Hand and Wrist
Image Info: X-ray; source - Wuarchive.
Created by: Lynn Bry
Contact Email:bryl@medicine.wustl.edu
Last modified:

Created with Annotation 1.0