What is the Triquetral Bone
Triquetral or the three-cornered bone (Latin: os triquetrum) is a pyramid-shaped carpal or wrist bone [1, 2]. Its name is derived from the Latin word ‘triquetrus’, or ‘having three corners’ [3] – indicating that it possesses three prominent articular surfaces [4].
Where is the Triquetrum Bone Located
It is one of the four proximal carpal bones, ranking third from the thumb [4], following the scaphoid and lunate. It is positioned between the pisiform and lunate bones [3].
Triquetrum Bone
Development and Ossification
The triquetrum is the third bone to develop, ossifying during the second or third year of life [5, 6] (meaning it will be visible in an x-ray in a 2-3-year-old child). The order may be different in girls [7].
Triquetral Bone X-ray
Structure and Anatomy
Surfaces and Articulations
It articulates with three of the carpal bones and thus has three major articular surfaces – the smallest one being an oval facet on the palmar surface for the pisiform bone [8]. The distal concave surface is meant for the hamate and is the largest of the articular facets [8]. The third surface articulating with the lunate is continuous with but lateral to, the hamate facet [4].
Triquetrum Bone Articular Surface Anatomy
The rough dorsal surface of the bone serves for all the ligament attachments [9].
Blood Supply
The triquetrum receives its primary blood supply from the ulnar artery [10]. It is supplied on its two non-articular surfaces by a network of nutrient vessels [3].
Functions: What does the Triquetrum Bone Do
Its primary function is to shape up and maintain the flexibility of human wrists along with the other carpal bones.
Associated Conditions and Common Injuries
The triquetrum is the third most commonly fractured carpal bone, often occurring due to overextension of the wrist, like during a fall or when playing sports [11].
References
-
- https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/carpal-bones
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0023134/
- https://radiopaedia.org/articles/triquetrum
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/triquetral-bone
- http://sketchymedicine.com/2016/01/carpal-bone-ossification/
- https://prohealthsys.com/central/anatomy/grays-anatomy/index-10/index-10-2/index-10-2/ossificationhand/
- https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC1249990&blobtype=pdf
- https://classes.kumc.edu/sah/resources/handkines/bone/triquetrum.html
- https://www.imaios.com/en/e-Anatomy/Anatomical-Parts/Triquetrum
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/452957
- https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/triquetrum-bone
