Dorsal Radioulnar Ligament, Posterior View

Description

Oriented from a posterior (dorsal) aspect, the distal radius and ulna frame the distal radioulnar joint, with the dorsal radioulnar ligament spanning from the dorsal rim of the sigmoid notch of the radius toward the ulnar head and its foveal region. Distal to this complex, the proximal carpal row sits inferior to the radiocarpal joint line, while the metacarpals and phalanges extend distally into the hand. Extensor tendons course longitudinally over the dorsal wrist toward the digits, lying superficial to the capsuloligamentous structures. A blue marker band identifies a selected bony landmark without obscuring the ligament’s dorsal course. Dorsal radioulnar ligament anatomy matters because it forms the dorsal component of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) restraint system that controls dorsal translation of the ulnar head during pronation and supination. This is the view you want when teaching why DRUJ instability can persist even when the radiocarpal joint appears congruent, or when correlating ulnar-sided wrist pain with dorsal TFCC tears after a fall on an outstretched hand. Keep the extensor carpi ulnaris subsheath and nearby dorsal capsule in mind. They complicate clinical examination. Use this artwork for upper limb anatomy courses, hand surgery and sports medicine teaching files, and figure plates illustrating TFCC and distal radioulnar joint biomechanics, including arthroscopic repair concepts and postoperative immobilization rationales. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.