Background: Many studies have been published on the development of the human wrist joint, but scant attention has been given to the development of the wrist joint ligaments. Moreover, traditional description of wrist anatomy usually depict only the superficial capsular fibers of the wrist joint. The only ligamentous structure to receive much attention is the articular disc of the wrist joint, which has been described as a fibrocartilaginous structure extending from the medial edge of the lower end of the radius to the ulnar styloid process.
Methods: In the present report, we synthesize our observations in the wrist joint ligaments in 35 serially sectioned human embryonic and fetal hands (16 embryos and 19 fetuses).
Results: The interosseous intercarpal ligaments are organized from the mesenchyme, which, until O'Rahilly's stage 23, fills the intercarpal spaces. These ligaments are not individually distinguishable until the 9th week of development. The collateral ligaments begin to form in O'Rahillys's stage 22 and are completely formed by the end of week 10. The palmar radiocarpal and ulnocarpal ligaments (beginning with the palmar radiocarpal ligament) begin to form in O'Rahilly's stage 23 and are fully developed by the end of week 10. At this time, development of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament begins; this process is completed by the end of week 13. The articular disc which is initially formed of a single element, first appears in O'Rahilly's stage 23 and its organization is completed at week 10 of development.
Conclusions: We establish the morphogenetic time-table of the wrist joint ligaments. Our descriptive findings may help explain carpal motion and the origin of wrist injuries.