Dorsal radiocarpal ligament

The dorsal radiocarpal ligament (DRC), also called the dorsal radiotriquetral ligament, is an extrinsic (capsular) ligament of the wrist that spans the dorsal aspect of the radiocarpal joint, connecting the distal radius to the proximal carpal row.

Origin and course: The DRC originates consistently from the dorsal margin (rim) of the distal radius, then runs obliquely in an ulnar and distal direction across the dorsal radiocarpal joint.

Insertions: Along its course, its radial fibers attach to the lunate and to the lunotriquetral interosseous ligament, and it inserts principally onto the dorsal tubercle of the triquetrum.

Function: The DRC, together with the dorsal intercarpal ligament, forms a characteristic lateral "V" configuration (apex at the triquetral tubercle) that acts effectively as a dorsal radioscaphoid ligament, varying its length with wrist position to permit normal carpal kinematics while providing indirect dorsal stabilization of the scaphoid. It is a secondary stabilizer of the lunate, contributes to midcarpal and scapholunate/lunotriquetral stability, and helps restrain ulnar translation of the carpus; its disruption has been implicated in DISI/VISI deformities and carpal instability. It elongates maximally with the wrist in radial deviation/flexion.