Triquetrum

The triquetrum (also known as os triquetrum or - historically - as the triangular bone) is one of the carpal bones and forms part of the proximal carpal row.

Gross anatomy

Osteology

The triquetrum is wedge-shaped carpal bone located between the lunate and the pisiform. It has an oval facet for articulation with the pisiform.

Articulations
  • along with the scaphoid and lunate, forms the distal articular surface of the radiocarpal joint
  • intercarpal articulations
  • a meniscus attached to the triquetrum is located between the radiocarpal and pisiform-triquetral compartments
Attachments
Musculotendinous
  • nil
Ligamentous

Blood supply

  • receives its blood supply from a network of nutrient vessels on both non-articular surfaces

Variant anatomy

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph
  • frontal projection (neutral wrist position)
  • Norgaard view
    • better for evaluating the triquetral-pisiform articulation than the frontal or lateral view

Development

Ossification

Cartilaginous at birth, triquetral ossification typically begins at age three and is complete by age six or seven . The triquetral ossification center often precedes the lunate .

History and etymology

From the Latin "triquetrus" meaning "having three corners". It was originally termed the "cuneiform" bone, when named by Lyser in 1653. It was first called the "triquetrum" by Albinus in 1726.

Related pathology

Siehe auch: