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Radiate Carpal Ligament

ligamentum carpi radiatum

The radiate carpal ligament is a fan-shaped group of fibrous bands radiating from the capitate to the surrounding carpal bones: the scaphoid radially, the lunate proximally, the triquetrum ulnarly, and the hamate distally. It forms the palmar floor of the midcarpal joint and is the central stabilising ligament of the proximal capitate and the midcarpal joint complex. It is sometimes considered the palmar component of the midcarpal ligament system.

Region: Hand & Wrist

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Stabilises the capitate as the central keystone of the proximal carpal row against palmar displacement, contributes to midcarpal joint integrity, and acts as the radiating anchor of the palmar midcarpal ligament system.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The radiate carpal ligament is assessed arthroscopically from the midcarpal radial and ulnar portals as a palmar structure. Disruption contributes to midcarpal instability patterns where the capitate and distal carpal row can no longer be stabilised against the proximal row. In wrist arthritis surgery, the capitate is a critical reference landmark and the radiate ligament defines the midcarpal joint compartment that must be fused in four-corner or intercarpal fusion procedures.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Midcarpal Instability

Laxity of the radiate carpal and triquetrohamate ligaments produces the catch-up clunk at the midcarpal joint during ulnar deviation under load, a nondissociative carpal instability pattern managed with physiotherapy, ligament imbrication, or limited midcarpal arthrodesis.