Anatomy of the Wrist

Just like maps are important to explore any geographic location, similarly anatomy is a map to understand the human body. An updated knowledge of the anatomy of the wrist is necessary to explore the joint during surgery. There are various aspects of anatomy that should be considered for joints surgery, such as the location of the artery, vein, nerve, and ligaments. Surgical anatomy suggests how to incise the skin, how to reach the target tissue, and avoid any damage to the important tissues. Knowledge of anatomy is a must for surgeon to understand all sensitive aspects of wrist surgery. The study of anatomy is not only a traditional technique of learning but also has a scientific approach towards understanding human body which we shall try to attain in this issue.

Distal radius fracture is one of the most common fractures in the upper extremity. To date, the fracture has been treated with the conventional plate, external fixator, pinning, or cast immobilization. Since 2002, development of the volar locking plate technique for distal radius fracture has gained popularity among surgeons. Successful reduction of the comminuted fragment of the distal radius can be achieved when the surgeon has enough knowledge about the volar surface of the distal radius including any variations. The watershed line advocated by Dr. Jorge Obay is considered important for volar locking plate, but we have been seeking other more flexible fixation methods for comminuted distal radius fracture.

This issue includes a “Special Review” entitled “Anatomy of the Volar Surface of the Radius” by Dr. Junya Imatani. This review discusses novel anatomical knowledge of the volar surface of the distal radius through his macro- and microscopic analyses. Interesting articles on wrist fracture, such as the scaphoid fracture, carpometacarpal arthrosis, and anatomy of the scapholunate ligament, and also interesting case reports, survey, new procedures are included in this issue. Don't miss it.