Emerging patterns in wrist osteoarthritis

The human wrist is a composite joint which incorporates multiple smaller joints. The biomechanics of the wrist are dependent on its bony structure but also on the ligamentous constitution of its joints. This increases the complexity of the joint and reduces our ability to understand its anatomy, mechanics and pathology. Therefore, our understanding and treatment of osteoarthritis in the wrist lags behind that of other joints in the body such as the knee. We discuss some of the recent directions in the comprehension and treatment of wrist osteoarthritis.