The numerous joints of the wrist and hand make the hands unusually dextrous.

■ Wrist joints. 

The wrist joints include the radiocarpal or wrist joint, the distal radioulnar joint, and the intercarpal joints (Fig. 1). The joint capsule, articular disc, and synovial membrane of the wrist join the radius to the ulna and to the proximal carpal bones. On the dorsum of the wrist, locate the groove of the radiocarpal joint. This joint provides most of the flexion and extension at the wrist because the ulna does not articulate directly with the carpal bones.

FIGURE 1. Joints of the wrist.

■ Hand joints.

The joints of the hand include the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPs), the proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPs), and the distal interphalangeal joints (DIPs). Flex the hand and find the groove marking the MCP joint of each finger (Fig. 2). It is distal to the knuckle and is best felt on either side of the extensor tendon.

FIGURE 2. Metacarpophalangeal joint.

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