

The fractures may have specific names depending on their nature and location (e.g. įracture of the First Metacarpal: A fracture in this area can occur as a result of an accident or some sports injury, with the most serious type of fractures involving the carpometacarpal, and metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb.


Treatment may include exercise, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery. Characteristic symptoms include pain and swelling around the base of the thumb, gradually radiating to the wrist, causing difficulty in any twisting movement like rotating a doorknob. As a result, it is the most common CMC joint, as well as thumb joint, to get arthritis. Its also normal for the area to be more sensitive for several months after the injury. This often happens when you try activities you haven’t done for a while. Its normal to have aches and discomfort beyond this. Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis: Since over half of all functions of the hand involve the thumb, the first CMC joint is subjected to a lot of stress and pressure every day. After a metacarpal fracture of the hand, most of the healing happens between 3 to 4 weeks. Common Injuries and Associated Conditions Additionally, it is also partially the spot of origin for the flexor pollicis brevis, which primarily originates from the trapezium. There are three muscles attaching to the first metacarpal, namely, the abductor pollicis longus, opponens pollicis, and the first dorsal interosseous. As a result, the metacarpal of the thumb makes almost a right angle to the metacarpals of the other digits, allowing it to rotate and move in nearly all directions. It is a type of synovial joint where the trapezium forms a concave or saddle-shaped articular facet for the base of the first metacarpal so the latter can sit into the space like a rider on horseback. The articulation between the first metacarpal and trapezium forms a saddle joint. The CMC joint of the thumb is of fundamental importance in structuring the hand in humans and other primates, allowing the use of the thumb to hold objects. : of, relating to, or involving both the metacarpus and the phalanges. Ĭarpometacarpal Joint (CMC Joint) of the Thumb carpophalangeal met-kr-p-f-ln-j-l, -fa-, -f-lan-j.

On its head, it articulates with the proximal phalanx of the thumb to form the first metacarpophalangeal joint, while the base of the first metacarpal articulates with the carpal bone trapezium to form the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb or the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMJ). Anatomy of the Metacarpal of Thumb Surfaces and Joints The capitate is the largest carpal bone and articulates with five bones the 3rd metacarpal, the trapezoid, scaphoid, lunate and hamate. Its base begins to ossify when the child is about 3 years old. These are intra-articular fractures that result from axial loading or direct trauma collateral ligament avulsion fractures are caused by forced deviation of the flexed metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ).The ossification centers for the shafts for all metacarpals start appearing around the 8th or 9th week of fetal growth, with that of the first metacarpal appearing last. a metacarpal bone Collins English Dictionary. The treatments of three other patients were not defined. These are usually a result of axial loading or direct trauma (clenched fist and solid surface) torsional force may also result in this type of injury fractures at the base of the first metacarpal underwent closed reduction and percutaneous. Metacarpal base fractures and dislocation of the CMC joint They are a result of direct or indirect trauma with the nature and direction of the force being directly related to the type of injury. Fractures of the 5 th metacarpal make up 25% of all metacarpal fractures (which equates to 10% of all hand fractures) ref. (n.) 'the middle bones of the hand,' 1650s, Modern Latin, from Greek metakarpion, from meta 'between next after' (see meta-) + karpos 'wrist' (see carpus).In humans, the part of the hand between the wrist and the fingers or thumb (corresponding to the metatarsus of the foot). The lifetime incidence of a metacarpal fracture is 2.5% ref. Specific names are given to fractures of the fifth metacarpal:įracture dislocation of the base of the 5 th metacarpal: reverse Bennett fracture dislocationįracture of 5 th metacarpal neck: Boxer fracture Gamekeeper thumb (not always includes a fracture) Specific names are given to fractures of the base of the first metacarpal (see: fractures of the thumb):
