Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ)
The distal radioulnar joint is a pivot type synovial joint between the distal radius and ulna.
Summary
- articulation: pivot type synovial joint between the distal aspect of the radius and the ulna
- movement: rotation of the distal radius
- ligaments: triangular ligament, and anterior and posterior distal radioulnar ligaments
- blood supply: anterior and posterior interosseous arteries
- nerve supply: anterior and posterior interosseous nerves
Gross anatomy
Articulation
The distal radioulnar joint is a pivot type synovial joint existing between the ulnar notch of the distal radius and the head of the ulna. The primary uniting structure of the joint is the articular disc of the distal radioulnar joint, also termed the triangular ligament (part of the Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)).
Movement
The primary movement of the distal radioulnar joint is to allow pronation and supination of the forearm.
- pronation: pronator quadratus, pronator teres
- supination: supinator, biceps brachii
Ligaments and tendons
The distal radioulnar joint has intrinsic and extrinsic stabilizing structures.
Intrinsic
- anterior and posterior distal radioulnar ligaments
- distal radioulnar joint capsule
Extrinsic
- interosseous membrane
- tendon of extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU)
- pronator quadratus
Arterial supply
The blood supply to the distal radio-ulnar joint is provided by the:
- dorsal and palmar branches of the anterior interosseous artery
- posterior interosseous artery
- radiocarpal branches of the ulnar artery
Innervation
The nervous supply to the distal radioulnar joint is provided by the:
- anterior interosseous nerve (branch of the median nerve)
- posterior interosseous nerve (branch of the radial nerve)
Related pathology
Siehe auch:
