Hand & Wrist

Anatomy of the Hand

The hand and wrist region is composed of many muscles, tendons, and nerves. These contribute to the mobility, grip, and flexibility of the hand.

Twenty-seven bones constitute the hand and wrist and are grouped into three categories: carpels, metacarpals, and phalanges. Each finger contains five metacarpal bones that enable their movement. The index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers each have three interphalangeal joints while the thumb has only two.

Importance of the Hand

Similar to the wrist, the hand is vital to daily activity. It would be difficult to complete most daily tasks without its proper function. If you are experiencing hand problems from overuse, chronic pain, or recent injury please contact our office.

Anatomy of the Wrist

The wrist, or carpus, is made up of eight carpal bones. The carpal bones are aligned in two rows, the proximal and distal. The wrist also consists of the distal ends of the ulna and radius. The ulna and radius are the two bones that help to make up the forearm.

When your joints, cartilage, and/or bones become injured or painful, simple tasks can become difficult.

Importance of the Wrist

The wrist joint is used in conjunction with the hand in just about every day-to-day activity. Overuse of the wrist can result from both sports activities and the workplace, limiting one's participation in either.

Some of the Hand & Wrist Problems We Treat

  • Hand & Wrist Fractures

  • Tendon/Ligament Injuries

  • Carpal Tunnel Release

  • Cubital Tunnel Release

  • Hand & Wrist Arthritis

  • Trigger Fingers

  • Ganglions & Other Masses

  • Dupuytren’s Contracture

  • Tendonitis

Cathryn J. Vadala, MD, Orthopedic Hand Surgeon at Tri-City Orthopaedics

Cathryn “CJ” Vadala, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained hand and elbow surgeon. She specializes in both nonsurgical and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the hand and upper extremity.