Wrist

The wrist is a complex joint allowing complex motion. Injury of the wrist joint may lead to limited function, which not only may have consequences for hobbies but also economic consequences in our current demanding professional lives. To assess potential causes of limited function or pain in adults, bony landmarks are used for radiographic measurements. In children, radiographic measurements are more complex as the ossification centers may only be partially visible. When it is known how to measure certain angles, also other norm values should be used to define normality and pathology. In this chapter, six important radiographic measurements, including the scapholunate and capitolunate angle measurements, ulnar variance, radial height, radial inclination, and volar tilt are explained with their normal per age category. Furthermore, not only angle and height measurements can help define pathology. In children, specifically the epiphysis plays a major role. The cartilage thickness and irregularities may indicate overload. Joint effusion may also be a hint in the direction of intra-articular injury or inflammation. If an assessor is unsure whether the findings are abnormal and complaints are unilateral, measurements of the left and right wrist should be compared.