Examination of the wrist - surface anatomy of the carpal bones

An accurate clinical examination is vital in the diagnosis of wrist injuries. Though various investigations including special X-ray views, computer tomography, and isotope bone scans are used to confirm the diagnosis of carpal bone fractures and wrist ligament injuries, initial diagnosis and localisation is by clinical examination. The fundamental basis of both inspection and palpation is knowledge of surface anatomy. This paper gives a brief overview of carpal osteology and then a method of examination of the carpus which we hope will be used to improve basic examination of the wrist. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.