The pisiform bone is a small, pea-shaped bone located in your wrist. It's part of the proximal row of carpal bones, situated on the ulnar side (pinky finger side) of your wrist, within the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.
Key Features of the Pisiform Bone:
- Location: Proximal row of carpal bones in the wrist, near the ulna.
- Shape and Size: Small and pea-shaped (its name derives from the Latin word pisum, meaning pea).
- Sesamoid Bone: It's classified as a sesamoid bone, meaning it develops within a tendon (the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon).
- Articulation: It only articulates (forms a joint) with one other bone: the triquetral bone.
- Function: Provides a smooth surface for the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon to glide over; contributes to wrist stability; forms part of the ulnar border of the carpal tunnel.
Clinical Significance:
While relatively small, the pisiform bone can be involved in injuries:
- Fractures: Pisiform fractures are possible, though relatively rare.
- Dislocations: Dislocation of the pisiform is also uncommon, particularly in pediatric patients.
- Impingement Syndrome: In some cases, the pisiform can contribute to impingement syndrome after certain wrist surgeries like proximal row carpectomy (PRC).
Sources: The information provided above is synthesized from multiple sources including Physiopedia, Wikipedia, ScienceDirect, Kenhub, and various medical journal articles and news reports referencing pisiform bone injuries. These sources confirm the pisiform bone's characteristics, location, and potential clinical implications.
