Anatomy of the Healthy Hand

There are three bones in each finger called the proximal phalanx, the middle phalanx and the distal phalanx. Each finger has three joints.

	The first joint is where the finger joins the hand. This joint is where the bones that form the palm of the hand, the metacarpals, join with the first bone of the finger, called the proximal phalanx.
	The second joint is the proximal interphalangeal joint, sometimes called the PIP joint for short.
	The last joint of the finger is called the distal interphalangeal joint, or DIP.

Each of these joints is covered with articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is the smooth spongy material that covers the end of bones that make up a joint. The cartilage allows the bones to slide easily against one another as the joint moves through its range of motion.

Anatomy of the Healthy Wrist

When your wrist is healthy, you don't give it much thought. As long as it flexes up and down and from side to side in a pain-free rotation, you are able to work, lift a baby, swing a golf club and perform everyday tasks. When arthritis attacks the wrist, however, life becomes more complicated.

The wrist, one of the most complex joints in the body, lies between the five metacarpal bones of the hand and the radius and ulna bones of the forearm. 

The wrist is made up of several joints:

	The distal radioulnar joint acts as a pivot for the forearm bones.
	The radiocarpal joint, which is between the radius and the first row of carpal bones, allows for wrist flexion and extension, the up-and-down motion of the wrist.
	The midcarpal joint, between the two rows of carpal bones.
	Various intercarpal joints, between adjacent carpal bones within the rows.

The numerous bones and the intricate way they work together give the wrist its flexibility and wide range of motion.  Cartilage separates the radioulnar joint from the rest of the wrist, which is contained within a capsule of cartilage, membrane and ligaments. Radiocarpal ligaments carry the hand along with the forearm in rotational movements, and intercarpal ligaments strengthen the small wrist-bones.

Such a complex network of anatomy is a marvel when it is healthy. It enables you to perform daily activities such as type on a keyboard, drive a car, cook, work and so much more. When arthritis interferes, however, your lifestyle can be severely hampered by pain, stiffness and immobility. Eventually arthritis may make it difficult to work and perform day-to-day tasks.

Hands, fingers and wrist can become the victim of other types of degenerative disease and trauma, some of which can only be remedied by surgery. The most common conditions include:

Hand & Wrist Arthritis
	Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis of Arthritis of the Fingers
	Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis of Arthritis of the Thumb
	Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis of Arthritis of the Wrist
Wrist Conditions
	Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
	De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
	Ganglions of the Wrist
Finger Conditions
	Boutonniere Deformity of the Finger
	Dupuytren's Contracture
	Mallet Finger Injuries
	Trigger Finger/Thumb

	PIP Finger Joint Injuries
Non-Surgical Options
	Assistive Devices for Patients with Arthritis Pain
	Treating Arthritis of the Thumb and Finger
Surgical Procedures
	How Will You Know When You Might Consider Finger Joint Replacement Surgery?
	Basal Joint Fusion of the Thumb
	Finger Joint Fusion
	Wrist Joint Fusion
	Artificial Joint Replacement of the Finger
	Wrist Replacement Surgery
	Excisional Arthroplasty
Recovery and Rehabilitation
	Checking On Your Finger Implant
	Potential Complications Following Finger Joint Replacement Surgery