The ulnar side of the wrist: Clinically relevant anatomy and biomechanics.
BACKGROUND
In the hectic environment of a hand therapy clinic, the opportunity to carefully consider the relationships among pathology, pathomechanics, surgical repair techniques, tissue healing, postoperative management, and rehabilitation program development and progression is limited. Clinicians often default to seeking a protocol, a recipe to follow.


OBJECTIVE
Using the ulnar side of the wrist as an example, relevant anatomy and biomechanics are directly related to several commonly seen pathologies, including fractures, ligament injuries, and instability.


CONCLUSIONS
Armed with knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and surgical procedures, the need for a protocol disappears. Each patient can be individually managed according to his or her unique set of variables and responses to injury, repair, healing, and recovery of function.
Hand Therapy Department, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA. Electronic address: altmane@hss.edu.
Emily
E
Altman
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D014457:Ulna / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology
Distal radioulnar joint; Interosseous membrane; Radioulnar ligament; Triangular fibrocartilage complex