(i) Examination of the wrist—soft tissue, joints and special tests

Abstract 

Despite the advances in imaging, clinical examination remains the most important means of diagnosis in the wrist. This is especially important in soft tissue injuries after which the radiological changes are subtle and the pathology is dynamic and cannot be appreciated on static images. The wrist joint, however, is complex involving four joints, eight bones, over 20 articulations and numerous ligaments, so a meticulous examination and attention to detail is important in arriving at an accurate diagnosis. We describe a sequence of examination of the wrist, which we routinely use and have found both easy to perform and remember.

Keywords: Wrist examination, Carpal bones, Distal radio-ulnar joint, Triangular fibrocartilage complex, Radio-carpal joint, Midcarpal joint