The Wrist

Arthritis describes any condition where cartilage in the joint breaks down. Normally, a joint consists of two smooth, cartilage-covered bone surfaces that fit together as a matched set and glide against one other.

The scaphoid is one of eight small bones that make up the “carpal bones” of the wrist. It connects two rows of these bones - the proximal row (closer to the forearm) and the distal row (closer to the hand).

A ligament is a thick band of tissue that connects two bones. There are many ligaments in the wrist. When a ligament is injured, this is referred to as a sprain. A very common ligament injured in a sprained wrist is the scapholunate ligament.

Scar formation is a normal response following any injury or surgery; it is the way the body heals injured structures. Scar tissue may involve only the superficial skin, or it may involve the deeper tissues beneath the skin, including nerves and tendons.

Skiing and snowboarding are some of the most popular winter sports and can result in different injuries to the upper extremity. Fortunately, there are some ways to decrease the chance for injury.

Cancer of the skin is a change in your skin cells during which they grow abnormally and form a malignant tumor. These abnormal cells can invade your body, become implanted in other organs, and continue to grow, a process called metastasis.

A sprained wrist is usually caused by a fall or sudden twisting motion. The wrist is usually bent backwards or into an abnormal position.

The Triangular FibroCartilage Complex, or TFCC, is an important structure in the wrist. The TFCC is made of tough fibrous tissue and cartilage. This tissue supports the joints between the end of the forearm bones (radius and ulna), adding to their stability.

Ulnar wrist pain (pain on the pinkie side of the wrist) is very common. It can result from injury to bones, cartilage, ligaments or tendons.

A vascular disease is a problem with arteries and veins. Arteries are hose-like structures that bring oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the fingers. Veins are also hose-like structures or pipes that return the used blood back to the heart and lungs.