Carpal injuries in the dog

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The carpus comprises the antebrachiocarpal joint, the middle carpal joint and the carpometacarpal joint. Intercarpal joints exist between individual carpal bones in each row. There are seven named carpal bones. The radial, ulnar and accessory carpal bones form the proximal row and the distal row contains the first, second, third and fourth carpal bones. The antebrachiocarpal joint accounts for 80-90% of carpal movement. The carpus depends upon the surrounding soft tissue structures for its support. The most important structures are the palmar ligaments and a fibrocartilage pad which prevent hyperextension. The major carpal ligaments are the palmar ligaments that Connect the radial and accessory carpal bones with the metacarpal bones, and the short radial collateral ligaments.