![\"\"](\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/hand-bones.png\")
<\/a>Description<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe 27 bones of the hand can be divided into three major groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The carpal bones<\/strong><\/li>
- The metacarpal bones<\/strong><\/li>
- The bones of the phalanges<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Carpal bones<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nThe carpal bones are 8 bones arranged into 2 equal rows (4 in each row) found within the wrist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The proximal row consists of the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum<\/strong> and pisiform bones <\/strong>(from lateral to medial).<\/li>
- The distal row consists of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate,<\/strong> and hamate bones.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Proximal row<\/h3>\n<\/span>\n\n<\/span>\nScaphoid bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe scaphoid<\/strong> (from Latin: “boat-shaped<\/strong>“) bone articulates with the radius<\/strong>, trapezium<\/strong>, trapezoid<\/strong>, lunate<\/strong> and capitate bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n- Its lateral aspect presents the groove of the radial artery.<\/li>
- Its anterior aspect presents the scaphoid tubercle<\/strong> on which the flexor retinaculum<\/strong> and the abductor pollicis brevis muscles <\/strong>attach.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Lunate bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe lunate<\/strong> (from Latin: “crescent-shaped<\/strong>“) articulates with the scaphoid<\/strong> and radius<\/strong> bones, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex<\/strong> (discussed in the Joints of the forearm<\/a> article).<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nTriquetrum bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe triquetrum<\/strong> (from Latin: “having three corners<\/strong>“, i.e. pyramidal-shaped) is the most medial situated bone in the first row.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt articulates with the ulna<\/strong> (through an articular disc), lunate<\/strong>, pisiform<\/strong>, and hamate<\/strong> bones<\/strong>, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nPisiform<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe pisiform <\/strong>(from Latin: “pea-shaped<\/strong>“) bone is a small bone that is situated on the palmar surface of the triquetrum bone.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe flexor carpi ulnaris muscle<\/strong> inserts on its anterior aspect, while the abductor digiti minimi muscle<\/strong> originates there.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nDistal row<\/h3>\n<\/span>\n\n<\/span>\nTrapezium<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe trapezium<\/strong> (from Latin: “table<\/strong>“) bone <\/strong>is the most lateral bone of the distal row. It has 4 sides and it articulates with the scaphoid, <\/strong>trapezoid, <\/strong>and the 1st and 2nd metacarpal <\/strong>bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIts anterior aspect presents with the tubercle of trapezium<\/strong> on which the flexor retinaculum <\/strong>inserts.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nTrapezoid bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe trapezoid bone <\/strong>has an irregular shape with a small, non-articular anterior aspect<\/strong> and a posterior rough and large aspect.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt articulates with the scaphoid<\/strong>, trapezium<\/strong>, capitate<\/strong>, and 2nd metacarpal bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nCapitate<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe capitate <\/strong>(from Latin: “head<\/strong>“) bone <\/strong>is the largest of the carpal bones. It articulates with the scaphoid<\/strong>, lunate<\/strong>, trapezoid<\/strong>, hamate<\/strong>, 3rd <\/strong>and 4th metacarpal bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nHamate<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe hamate <\/strong>(from Latin: “hook<\/strong>“) bone <\/strong>is the most medial of the distal carpal bones. It articulates with the capitate<\/strong>, triquetrum, lunate<\/strong>, and 3rd <\/strong>and 4th and 5th metacarpal bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIts anterior aspect presents the hook of the hamate <\/strong>(Latin: hamulus ossis hamati<\/em>), <\/strong>a prominence that has relations with the ulnar nerve,<\/strong> and on which inserts the flexor retinaculum.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/1280px-Carpus.svg1_-600x457.png\")
<\/a>Figure 2. Carpal bones<\/strong> (right hand, the dorsal surface is on the left, and palmar surface on the right): scaphoid (A), lunate (B), triquetrum (C), pisiform (D), trapezium (E), trapezoid (F), capitate (G), hamate (H), radius (1), ulna (2), metacarpals (3)<\/strong> (Credit: Arcadian, Mintz, and Zoph, CC BY-SA 3.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>\nMetacarpal bones<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nThe metacarpal bones are 5 long bones that connect the carpal bones to the digits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Each of the five metacarpal bones consists of a base, a shaft, and a distal head, and is related to one digit.<\/li>
- Metacarpal I relates to the thumb.<\/li>
- Metacarpals II\u2013V relate to the index, middle, ring and little fingers respectively.<\/li>
- The 1st metacarpal articulates with the trapezium bone<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 2nd metacarpal articulates with the trapezium<\/strong> and trapezoid bones<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 3rd metacarpal articulates with the capitate bone<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 4th metacarpal articulates with the capitate <\/strong>and hamate bones<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 5th metacarpal articulates with the hamate bone<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/metacarpals-600x600.png\")
<\/a>Figure 3. Metacarpal bones<\/strong> (Credit: BodyParts3D, CC BY-SA 4.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/metacarpal-bones-300x234.png\")
<\/a>Figure 4. Metacarpal bones<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>\nBones of the phalanges<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe bones of the phalanges form the bones of the digits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Each phalanx consists of a base, a shaft, and a distal head.<\/li>
- Each digit consists of 3 phalanges<\/strong> — a proximal, middle (or intermediate), and a distal phalanx (forming the tip of the finger), except for the thumb<\/strong> which only consists of proximal and distal phalanges.<\/li>
- The proximal phalanges are associated with the appropriate metacarpal bones (I-V).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Clinical information<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n<\/span>\nFracture<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe most common injury involving the carpal bones is the fracture of the scaphoid<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nAvascular necrosis<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nSince the scaphoid may receive blood supply solely from the radial artery, damaging the vessel may lead to avascular necrosis<\/strong>: the death of bone tissue due to loss of blood supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOther carpal bones may also undergo avascular necrosis such as the lunate bone (Kienb\u00f6ck’s disease<\/strong>), as well as large bones such as the head of the femur.<\/p>\n<\/span>
Carpal bones<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nThe carpal bones are 8 bones arranged into 2 equal rows (4 in each row) found within the wrist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The proximal row consists of the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum<\/strong> and pisiform bones <\/strong>(from lateral to medial).<\/li>
- The distal row consists of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate,<\/strong> and hamate bones.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Proximal row<\/h3>\n<\/span>\n\n<\/span>\nScaphoid bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe scaphoid<\/strong> (from Latin: “boat-shaped<\/strong>“) bone articulates with the radius<\/strong>, trapezium<\/strong>, trapezoid<\/strong>, lunate<\/strong> and capitate bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n- Its lateral aspect presents the groove of the radial artery.<\/li>
- Its anterior aspect presents the scaphoid tubercle<\/strong> on which the flexor retinaculum<\/strong> and the abductor pollicis brevis muscles <\/strong>attach.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Lunate bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe lunate<\/strong> (from Latin: “crescent-shaped<\/strong>“) articulates with the scaphoid<\/strong> and radius<\/strong> bones, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex<\/strong> (discussed in the Joints of the forearm<\/a> article).<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nTriquetrum bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe triquetrum<\/strong> (from Latin: “having three corners<\/strong>“, i.e. pyramidal-shaped) is the most medial situated bone in the first row.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt articulates with the ulna<\/strong> (through an articular disc), lunate<\/strong>, pisiform<\/strong>, and hamate<\/strong> bones<\/strong>, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nPisiform<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe pisiform <\/strong>(from Latin: “pea-shaped<\/strong>“) bone is a small bone that is situated on the palmar surface of the triquetrum bone.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe flexor carpi ulnaris muscle<\/strong> inserts on its anterior aspect, while the abductor digiti minimi muscle<\/strong> originates there.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nDistal row<\/h3>\n<\/span>\n\n<\/span>\nTrapezium<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe trapezium<\/strong> (from Latin: “table<\/strong>“) bone <\/strong>is the most lateral bone of the distal row. It has 4 sides and it articulates with the scaphoid, <\/strong>trapezoid, <\/strong>and the 1st and 2nd metacarpal <\/strong>bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIts anterior aspect presents with the tubercle of trapezium<\/strong> on which the flexor retinaculum <\/strong>inserts.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nTrapezoid bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe trapezoid bone <\/strong>has an irregular shape with a small, non-articular anterior aspect<\/strong> and a posterior rough and large aspect.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt articulates with the scaphoid<\/strong>, trapezium<\/strong>, capitate<\/strong>, and 2nd metacarpal bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nCapitate<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe capitate <\/strong>(from Latin: “head<\/strong>“) bone <\/strong>is the largest of the carpal bones. It articulates with the scaphoid<\/strong>, lunate<\/strong>, trapezoid<\/strong>, hamate<\/strong>, 3rd <\/strong>and 4th metacarpal bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nHamate<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe hamate <\/strong>(from Latin: “hook<\/strong>“) bone <\/strong>is the most medial of the distal carpal bones. It articulates with the capitate<\/strong>, triquetrum, lunate<\/strong>, and 3rd <\/strong>and 4th and 5th metacarpal bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIts anterior aspect presents the hook of the hamate <\/strong>(Latin: hamulus ossis hamati<\/em>), <\/strong>a prominence that has relations with the ulnar nerve,<\/strong> and on which inserts the flexor retinaculum.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>Figure 2. Carpal bones<\/strong> (right hand, the dorsal surface is on the left, and palmar surface on the right): scaphoid (A), lunate (B), triquetrum (C), pisiform (D), trapezium (E), trapezoid (F), capitate (G), hamate (H), radius (1), ulna (2), metacarpals (3)<\/strong> (Credit: Arcadian, Mintz, and Zoph, CC BY-SA 3.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>\nMetacarpal bones<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nThe metacarpal bones are 5 long bones that connect the carpal bones to the digits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Each of the five metacarpal bones consists of a base, a shaft, and a distal head, and is related to one digit.<\/li>
- Metacarpal I relates to the thumb.<\/li>
- Metacarpals II\u2013V relate to the index, middle, ring and little fingers respectively.<\/li>
- The 1st metacarpal articulates with the trapezium bone<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 2nd metacarpal articulates with the trapezium<\/strong> and trapezoid bones<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 3rd metacarpal articulates with the capitate bone<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 4th metacarpal articulates with the capitate <\/strong>and hamate bones<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 5th metacarpal articulates with the hamate bone<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Figure 3. Metacarpal bones<\/strong> (Credit: BodyParts3D, CC BY-SA 4.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Figure 4. Metacarpal bones<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>\nBones of the phalanges<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe bones of the phalanges form the bones of the digits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Each phalanx consists of a base, a shaft, and a distal head.<\/li>
- Each digit consists of 3 phalanges<\/strong> — a proximal, middle (or intermediate), and a distal phalanx (forming the tip of the finger), except for the thumb<\/strong> which only consists of proximal and distal phalanges.<\/li>
- The proximal phalanges are associated with the appropriate metacarpal bones (I-V).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Clinical information<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n<\/span>\nFracture<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nThe most common injury involving the carpal bones is the fracture of the scaphoid<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\nAvascular necrosis<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\nSince the scaphoid may receive blood supply solely from the radial artery, damaging the vessel may lead to avascular necrosis<\/strong>: the death of bone tissue due to loss of blood supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOther carpal bones may also undergo avascular necrosis such as the lunate bone (Kienb\u00f6ck’s disease<\/strong>), as well as large bones such as the head of the femur.<\/p>\n<\/span>
The carpal bones are 8 bones arranged into 2 equal rows (4 in each row) found within the wrist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The proximal row consists of the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum<\/strong> and pisiform bones <\/strong>(from lateral to medial).<\/li>
- The distal row consists of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate,<\/strong> and hamate bones.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Proximal row<\/h3>\n<\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n
Scaphoid bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
The scaphoid<\/strong> (from Latin: “boat-shaped<\/strong>“) bone articulates with the radius<\/strong>, trapezium<\/strong>, trapezoid<\/strong>, lunate<\/strong> and capitate bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Its lateral aspect presents the groove of the radial artery.<\/li>
- Its anterior aspect presents the scaphoid tubercle<\/strong> on which the flexor retinaculum<\/strong> and the abductor pollicis brevis muscles <\/strong>attach.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Lunate bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
The lunate<\/strong> (from Latin: “crescent-shaped<\/strong>“) articulates with the scaphoid<\/strong> and radius<\/strong> bones, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex<\/strong> (discussed in the Joints of the forearm<\/a> article).<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Triquetrum bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
The triquetrum<\/strong> (from Latin: “having three corners<\/strong>“, i.e. pyramidal-shaped) is the most medial situated bone in the first row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It articulates with the ulna<\/strong> (through an articular disc), lunate<\/strong>, pisiform<\/strong>, and hamate<\/strong> bones<\/strong>, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Pisiform<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
The pisiform <\/strong>(from Latin: “pea-shaped<\/strong>“) bone is a small bone that is situated on the palmar surface of the triquetrum bone.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The flexor carpi ulnaris muscle<\/strong> inserts on its anterior aspect, while the abductor digiti minimi muscle<\/strong> originates there.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Distal row<\/h3>\n<\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n
Trapezium<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
The trapezium<\/strong> (from Latin: “table<\/strong>“) bone <\/strong>is the most lateral bone of the distal row. It has 4 sides and it articulates with the scaphoid, <\/strong>trapezoid, <\/strong>and the 1st and 2nd metacarpal <\/strong>bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its anterior aspect presents with the tubercle of trapezium<\/strong> on which the flexor retinaculum <\/strong>inserts.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Trapezoid bone<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
The trapezoid bone <\/strong>has an irregular shape with a small, non-articular anterior aspect<\/strong> and a posterior rough and large aspect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It articulates with the scaphoid<\/strong>, trapezium<\/strong>, capitate<\/strong>, and 2nd metacarpal bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Capitate<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
The capitate <\/strong>(from Latin: “head<\/strong>“) bone <\/strong>is the largest of the carpal bones. It articulates with the scaphoid<\/strong>, lunate<\/strong>, trapezoid<\/strong>, hamate<\/strong>, 3rd <\/strong>and 4th metacarpal bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Hamate<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
The hamate <\/strong>(from Latin: “hook<\/strong>“) bone <\/strong>is the most medial of the distal carpal bones. It articulates with the capitate<\/strong>, triquetrum, lunate<\/strong>, and 3rd <\/strong>and 4th and 5th metacarpal bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its anterior aspect presents the hook of the hamate <\/strong>(Latin: hamulus ossis hamati<\/em>), <\/strong>a prominence that has relations with the ulnar nerve,<\/strong> and on which inserts the flexor retinaculum.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/a>Figure 2. Carpal bones<\/strong> (right hand, the dorsal surface is on the left, and palmar surface on the right): scaphoid (A), lunate (B), triquetrum (C), pisiform (D), trapezium (E), trapezoid (F), capitate (G), hamate (H), radius (1), ulna (2), metacarpals (3)<\/strong> (Credit: Arcadian, Mintz, and Zoph, CC BY-SA 3.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>\n Metacarpal bones<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
\n\nThe metacarpal bones are 5 long bones that connect the carpal bones to the digits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Each of the five metacarpal bones consists of a base, a shaft, and a distal head, and is related to one digit.<\/li>
- Metacarpal I relates to the thumb.<\/li>
- Metacarpals II\u2013V relate to the index, middle, ring and little fingers respectively.<\/li>
- The 1st metacarpal articulates with the trapezium bone<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 2nd metacarpal articulates with the trapezium<\/strong> and trapezoid bones<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 3rd metacarpal articulates with the capitate bone<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 4th metacarpal articulates with the capitate <\/strong>and hamate bones<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The 5th metacarpal articulates with the hamate bone<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/a>Figure 3. Metacarpal bones<\/strong> (Credit: BodyParts3D, CC BY-SA 4.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Figure 4. Metacarpal bones<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>\n Bones of the phalanges<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
The bones of the phalanges form the bones of the digits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Each phalanx consists of a base, a shaft, and a distal head.<\/li>
- Each digit consists of 3 phalanges<\/strong> — a proximal, middle (or intermediate), and a distal phalanx (forming the tip of the finger), except for the thumb<\/strong> which only consists of proximal and distal phalanges.<\/li>
- The proximal phalanges are associated with the appropriate metacarpal bones (I-V).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Clinical information<\/h2>\n<\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n
Fracture<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
The most common injury involving the carpal bones is the fracture of the scaphoid<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
Avascular necrosis<\/h4>\n<\/span>\n\n\n
Since the scaphoid may receive blood supply solely from the radial artery, damaging the vessel may lead to avascular necrosis<\/strong>: the death of bone tissue due to loss of blood supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other carpal bones may also undergo avascular necrosis such as the lunate bone (Kienb\u00f6ck’s disease<\/strong>), as well as large bones such as the head of the femur.<\/p>\n<\/span>
- The proximal phalanges are associated with the appropriate metacarpal bones (I-V).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n
- The 2nd metacarpal articulates with the trapezium<\/strong> and trapezoid bones<\/strong>.<\/li>
- The distal row consists of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate,<\/strong> and hamate bones.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span>\n