The ligament of Testut (radioscapholunate ligament, RSL) is a structure on the palmar side of the radiocarpal joint running from the palmar rim of the radius, at the ridge between the scaphoid and lunate fossae, to the scapholunate interosseous interval. Despite its name, it is recognised as a neurovascular fold carrying vessels from the radial and anterior interosseous arteries to the scapholunate interosseous ligament, rather than a true mechanical stabiliser.
| Origin | Palmar rim of the distal radius between the scaphoid and lunate fossae |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Scapholunate interosseous ligament and the adjacent scaphoid and lunate |
Carries vascular supply to the scapholunate interosseous ligament rather than functioning as a mechanical stabiliser. Historically considered a palmar radiocarpal ligament but now reclassified as a neurovascular fold.
The ligament of Testut is seen at wrist arthroscopy as a soft tissue fold in the palmar radiocarpal joint between the radioscaphocapitate and long radiolunate ligaments, and it is a useful landmark for the scapholunate interval. Because it is not a significant mechanical stabiliser, it contributes little to wrist stability, unlike the adjacent true radiocarpal ligaments that must be preserved. It carries part of the blood supply of the scapholunate ligament, which may influence healing of that ligament. On MRI arthrography it should not be mistaken for a pathological structure.
Inflamed synovium over the ligament in the palmar radiocarpal joint can accompany scapholunate injury and is seen and debrided at wrist arthroscopy.
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