[Anatomic basis of a new concept of stability of the carpus].

Based on anatomical and biomechanical evidence, we conclude that the stability of the carpus relies on the lunate bone which is the centre of the longitudinal as well as the transverse functional axis. The lunate is firmly stabilised proximally to the radius and the radio-ulnar ligament complex by the proximal V-ligament, and so becomes a weight bearing structure. It is anchored by strong ligaments to the scaphoid on one side and the triquetrum on the other, thus forming a 3-bone intercalary system, which is in turn guided by the palmar distal V-ligament and the dorsal radio-triquetral ligament.