Other Joints of the Upper Limb

For the purposes of this case study, this website mainly focuses on the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, the elbow joint and the proximal radioulnar joint. However, a number of other joints also make up the upper limb including:

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• The Distal Radioulnar Joint - This joint is formed by an articulation between the ulnar notch of the radius and the ulnar head. Similarly to the proximal radioulnar joint, the distal radioulnar joint is a pivot joint that allows pronation and supination.
   

• The Wrist (Radiocarpal) Joint - This joint is formed by the proximal row of carpals (excluding the pisiform) and the distal end of the radius. The ulna is not part of the wrist joint as the articular disk (a fibrocartilaginous ligament) separates the ulna from the carpal bones. The wrist is an ellipsoidal joint that allows flexion, extension, adduction and abduction.
   

• The Intercarpal Joints - These are the joints that connect the carpal bones and fall within three distinct groups: 

  • ​Joints of the Proximal Carpal Row - These connect the adjacent surfaces of the triquetrum, lunate and scaphoid bones. The articulation between the pisiform an triquetrum is described as a separate joint (the pisiform joint), but it belongs to the proximal carpal joints. 

  • Joints of the Distal Carpal Row - These connect the adjacent surfaces of the  trapezium, trapezoid, capitate and hamate bones.

  • The Midcarpal Joint - The joint by which to two carpal rows articulate with each other. When the wrist joint produces movement it is accompanied by similar movements at the midcarpal joint.

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• The Carpometacarpal Joints - These are five joints in the hand that are formed by articulations between the distal row of carpal bones and the proximal ends of the metacarpal bones. The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is the most flexible. Metacarpals 2 and 3 are almost immobile, metacarpal 4 can achieve a small degree of gliding, but metacarpal five can glide sufficiently to produce some flexion and rotation.
   

• The Intermetacarpal Joints - The bases of the second, third, fourth and fifth metacarpal bones articulate with one another to form these joints between the metacarpal bones.
   

• The Metacarpophalangeal Joints - These are the joints between the metacarpal bones and the proximal phalanges of the digits. They allow flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and limited rotation. Axial rotation at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb occurs during opposition. 
   

• Interphalangeal Joints of the Hand - These joints are hinge joints between the phalanges of the hand and they allow flexion of the digits. There are two of these joints in each finger, but the thumb only has one interphalangeal joint.