What is the primary motion allowed at the wrist joint?

The primary motion allowed at the wrist joint is flexion and extension. This motion occurs primarily around the mediolateral axis, permitting the hand to move towards the forearm (flexion) and away from the forearm (extension). The wrist joint comprises the distal ends of the radius and the ulna along with several carpal bones, which collaborate to facilitate these movements.

While other motions can occur at the wrist, such as some degree of abduction (radial deviation) and adduction (ulnar deviation), flexion and extension are the most significant and are fundamental to many everyday activities, such as typing or lifting objects. Understanding this primary motion is essential for assessing wrist function and devising appropriate rehabilitative measures or interventions in clinical settings.