Ulnar-sided wrist pain and instability.

Abstract

A variety of lesions have been associated with ulnar-sided wrist pain and/or VISI instability. A staging system for ulnar-sided perilunate instability describes progressive disruptions associated with lunotriquetral dissociation that can lead to VISI instability and emphasizes the importance of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament in preventing VISI instability. Previous studies have emphasized association between type II carpal morphology and arthrosis at the proximal pole of the hamate, which was identified as the most common location of arthrosis in the wrist. The pisotriquetral joint is another common site of degenerative changes. A better understanding of the normal anatomy and kinematics of the ulnar side of the wrist will better enable physicians to identify and treat problems in the ulnar aspect of the wrist.