Dorsal Radioulnar Ligament, Posterior View

Description

Oriented from a posterior (dorsal) perspective, the distal radius lies lateral to the ulna as they converge at the distal radioulnar joint, with the proximal carpal row, scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum and pisiform, seated immediately distal to the radiocarpal articulation. The dorsal radioulnar ligament is presented as a thickened dorsal component of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), spanning from the ulnar notch of the radius toward the fovea and base of the ulnar styloid, deep to the extensor tendons that cross the dorsum of the wrist. Distal to the carpus, the metacarpals and phalanges align in longitudinal rays, clarifying the relationship between forearm rotation and hand position. Clinically, the dorsal radioulnar ligament is a primary restraint to dorsal translation of the ulnar head and a key stabilizer during pronation and supination, so its integrity matters whenever you assess distal radioulnar joint instability. TFCC tears often involve the dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligaments, producing ulnar sided wrist pain, painful forearm rotation, and a positive DRUJ ballottement test, and dorsal-sided disruptions can accompany distal radius fractures or ulnar styloid base fractures. A clear dorsal view helps distinguish DRUJ stabilizers from the adjacent radiocarpal ligaments and avoids the common teaching error of attributing all ulnar sided pain to the extensor carpi ulnaris alone. Small structure, big consequences. Use this artwork to support upper-limb anatomy teaching in medical and allied health curricula, to illustrate TFCC and DRUJ mechanics in hand surgery or sports medicine texts, or to orient readers before MRI arthrography correlations and arthroscopic portals focused on the ulnocarpal compartment. It also fits patient education materials explaining why rotational pain can persist after a distal radius injury. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.