Ossification centers of the wrist

Last revised by Assoc Prof Craig Hacking ◉ ◈ on 20 Oct 2020

Citation, DOI and article data

Citation:

Yap, K., Hacking, C. Ossification centers of the wrist. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 26 Jan 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-12232

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-12232

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/12232

rID:

12232

Article created:

01 Nov 2010 by Dr Ki Yap

Revisions:

19 times by 7 users - see full revision history

System:

Musculoskeletal

Section:

Anatomy

Tag:

wrist, upper limb, refs

Synonyms:

Carpal bone ossification centers
Carpal bone ossification center sequence
Ossification of the carpal bones
Wrist ossification centres
Ossification centres of the distal radius and ulna
Distal radius ossification
Distal ulna ossification

Ossification of the wrist can be divided into two components:

carpal bone ossification centers
distal radial and ulna ossification centers

Ossification of the carpal bones

Ossification of the carpal bones occurs in a predictable sequence, starting with the capitate and ending with the pisiform.

At birth, there is no calcification in the carpal bones. Although there is great individual variability, approximate ossification times are as follows ¹:

capitate: 1-3 months
hamate: 2-4 months
triquetrum: 2-3 years
lunate: 2-4 years
scaphoid: 4-6 years
trapezium: 4-6 years
trapezoid: 4-6 years
pisiform: 8-12 years

Excluding the pisiform, a handy way to remember the order of ossification is to start at the capitate then move in an anti-clockwise direction on the volar surface of the right carpus.