Articular Disc of Distal Radioulnar Joint
Discus articulationis radioulnaris distalis
Read moreAnatomical Relations
The articular disc of the distal radioulnar joint forms part of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex. The triangular fibrocartilaginous complex is both a cartilaginous and ligamentous structure that suspends the distal radius and medial carpal bones from the distal part of the ulna. It is composed of the articular disc of the radioulnar joint, the ulnocarpal meniscus, the ulnar collateral, dorsal and palmar radioulnar, palmar ulnocarpal ligaments, and the floor of the tendinous sheath of extensor carpi ulnaris.
The articular disc of the distal radioulnar joint is triangular, where its base attaches to the medial edge of the distal radius and its apex extends across the ulnar head to attach to the styloid process of the ulna. This attachment separates the distal radioulnar joint from the radiocarpal joint.
Structure
The articular disc of the distal radioulnar joint is a triangular shaped fibrocartilaginous structure that varies in thickness (somewhere between 2 and 5 mm) (Standring, 2016).
Function
The articular disc of the distal radioulnar joint forms part of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex, which stabilizes the ulnocarpal and radioulnar joints, facilitates movements at the wrist joint, and transmits load from the carpal bones to the ulna.
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Triangular Fibrocartilage
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a structure of ligaments and cartilage located on the ulnar wrist.
