To understand the pathology which may occur following an injury to the wrist, this presentation will review the anatomy and biomechanics of this joint.
The biomechanics of wrist injuries are as follows
Weightbearing injuries which may be sustained weightlifting or in gymnastics where there is increased axial loading or where the wrist is extended and radially deviated, may result in volar carpal ligament injuries.
Twisting injuries during wrestling and again gymnastics where there is excessive pronation or supination of the wrist may affect the TFCC.
Impact injuries such as a fall onto the outstretched hand - FOOSH - can result in scapho-lunate, lunotriquetral and or palmar radiocarpal ligament rupture, a TFCC tear or a strain of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament. (Anderson, Read, 2008)
All these ligaments which have been listed are easily seen with ultrasound.