Dorsal Radial Tubercle On The Radius, Posterior View

Description

Lister’s tubercle (dorsal radial tubercle) rises from the posterior aspect of the distal radius just proximal to the dorsal rim of the articular surface. From this posterior perspective, the tubercle sits slightly lateral to the midline of the distal radius and divides the dorsal extensor grooves, with the third extensor compartment (extensor pollicis longus tendon) running in a shallow sulcus on its ulnar side and the second compartment (extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis tendons) coursing radial to it. The broad metaphyseal flare of the distal radius provides the bony context, while the tubercle’s crest is highlighted as a palpable landmark on the dorsum of the wrist. Small, sharp, and unforgiving. Clinically, this is the pulley that redirects the extensor pollicis longus across the dorsal wrist, which is why dorsal cortical irregularity after a distal radius fracture, prominent screw tips from volar plating, or dorsal callus can precipitate attritional EPL tenosynovitis and rupture, often presenting as sudden loss of thumb interphalangeal extension. The fixed posterior view clarifies the relationship of the tubercle to the adjacent extensor grooves, a detail that matters when teaching dorsal wrist anatomy, guiding physical examination, or planning approaches that must respect the extensor compartments. Surface landmarking also relies on this prominence, including localization of the radiocarpal joint line and orientation when assessing dorsal wrist pain patterns that implicate specific compartments. Orthopaedic and hand surgery texts can use this illustration when discussing distal radius fracture fixation and tendon complications, while gross anatomy and upper limb courses can pair it with extensor compartment content and palpation labs. Radiology teaching files also benefit when correlating dorsal bony landmarks with axial CT or ultrasound evaluation of extensor tenosynovitis at the level of Lister’s tubercle. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.