Finger Carpometacarpal Joint Research Articles

Isolated palmar displaced fracture of the base of the index metacarpal: A case report

The current literature contains an abundance of references citing fracture dislocations of the thumb, ring, and small finger carpometacarpal joints, but there are few reports of index and long finger carpometacarpal fractures or fracture dislocations. Isolated injuries of these joints are decidedly rare, and in those instances where fracture dislocations are reported, they are essentially all dorsally directed and usually involve multiple joints. Only four cases of isolated palmar dislocation of the index and long finger carpometacarpal joints have been reported. These reported cases have not documented associated bony fractures, and none involved only the index metacarpal. We present a case of an isolated fracture dislocation of the base of the index metacarpal with displacement of the base fragment into the palm. examination was remarkable for diffuse hand swelling, and a dorsal bony defect was found despite the marked swelling. Additionally, there was an area of tenderness ulnar to the thenar emminence. and attempted flexion of the fingers elicited palmar pain. Anteroposterior and oblique x-ray films showed irregularity of the base of the index metacarpal and a

Wrist arthrodesis in post-traumatic arthritis: A comparison of two methods

The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen arthrodesis technique is compared with the proximal row carpectomy technique with radiocapitohamate arthrodesis for patients with traumatic and degenerative arthritis of the wrist. Both techniques gave satisfactory functional and x-ray film results in 85% of the patients. Grip strength measured on the Jamar dynamometer at settings 1–5 was 77–83% of the opposite in the dominant extremities and 56–82% of the opposite in the nondominant extremities. Despite the decrease in grip strengths after wrist fusion, grip strength curve patterns were similar for operated and nonoperated extremities. There were no statistically significant differences in grip strength between the two groups. Patients who did not have index and long ray carpometacarpal joints fused had pain at that level requiring a second procedure to arthrodese the joints. Index and long finger carpometacarpal joint arthrodesis at the time of wrist arthrodesis is recommended in patients with heavy labor jobs.

Tendon arthroplasty of the fifth carpometacarpal joint for treatment of posttraumatic arthritis

Resectional arthroplasty with interposition of a rolled tendon spacer was used to treat posttraumatic arthritis of the fifth metacarpal-hamate joint in eight patients. The average follow-up was 5 years. All of the patients subjectively rated the functional capability and the cosmetic appearance of their hands as good or excellent. After operation, there was a net increase of 30% in the average grip strength of the study group. The motion preserved at the small finger carpometacarpal joint facilitated power function of the hand.

Late Posttraumatic Carpometacarpal Dislocation of the Ring and Little Finger

A case of late post-traumatic dislocation of the ring and little finger carpometacarpal joints is described. An avulsion fracture from the base of the ring finger metacarpal was noted, but normal alignment was demonstrated by radiographs in the acute postinjury period. However, 3 months repeat radiographs showed a fixed dorsal dislocation. Although late spontaneous carpometacarpal dislocations are rarely encountered, they may develop following an untreated injury that disrupts the ligamentous stability of the joint. Therefore, an index of suspicion should exist for this possibility. The patient described here had pain and decreased grip strength and, therefore, treatment with open reduction and internal fixation was recommended. At the patient's follow-up examination, his pain has resolved and he had normal motion and grip strength. This treatment is advised when the articular cartilage of the carpometacarpal joint surface has been preserved, although sufficient cast immobilization when the avulsion fracture was initially noticed might have prevented the late dislocation.

Treatment of fifth digit carpometacarpal arthritis with Silastic prosthesis

Treatment of established small finger carpometacarpal joint arthritis by an interpositional hemiarthroplasty is suggested. This simple procedure, using a Silastic toe prothesis, provides a stable, painless joint while maintaining mobility. A description of the technique and three case reports illustrate this procedure.

Treatment of fifth digit carpometacarpal arthritis with Silastic prosthesis

Treatment of established small finger carpometacarpal joint arthritis by an interpositional hemiarthroplasty is suggested. This simple procedure, using a Silastic toe prothesis, provides a stable, painless joint while maintaining mobility. A description of the technique and three case reports illustrate this procedure.