First Carpometacarpal Joint

The saddle shape of this joint formed by the trapezium and 1st metacarpal allows the thumb to have such a uniquely wide range.
First carpometacarpal joint. The trapezium carpal bone of the wrist and the first metacarpal bone of the hand form the 1st cmc or thumb basal joint. The carpometacarpal joints cmc are five joints in the wrist that articulate the distal row of carpal bones and the proximal bases of the fivemetacarpal bones. The cmc of the thumb or the first cmc also known as the trapeziometacarpal joint tmc differs significantly from the other four cmcs. The description of the number and names of the ligaments of the first cmc varies considerably in anatomical literature.
Proper cmc joint function is critical for the fine dexterous hand movements that are required for activities of daily living because it allows for the opposition movement of the thumb. Bone spurs can develop which gives the thumb a squared off appearance. The symptoms associated with carpometacarpal joint injuries are similar to those of arthritis including. Carpometacarpal joint arthrosis results in pain and swelling at the base of the thumb.
Carpometacarpal joint injury symptoms. Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis also known as osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb or as rhizarthrosis is a reparitive joint disease affecting the first carpometacarpal joint cmc1. The joint may be infiltrated or aspirated from the dorsal aspect of the radial side of the carpometacarpal joint. Because of its relative instability this joint is a frequent site for osteoarthritis.
Aside from wear and tear one of the most common causes of carpometacarpal joint injuries is a forced hyperextension of the first carpometacarpal joint the base of the thumb. 3 while cmc arthroplasty and fusion are options for patients they may not be optimal. The base of the thumb first carpometacarpal cmc joint is a common site of osteoarthritis oa which may adversely affect hand function. The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb pollex also known as the first carpometacarpal joint or the trapeziometacarpal joint tmc because it connects the trapezium to the first metacarpal bone plays an irreplaceable role in the normal functioning of the thumb.
The first carpometacarpal joint or trapeziometacarpal joint is a frequent source of pain in osteoarthritis and from occupations or sports that subject the patient to undue stress. Articulations of the other four metacarpal bones with the carpus articulationes. This joint is formed by the trapezium bone of the wrist and the first metacarpal bone of the thumb. 1 2 thumb cmc joint oa is more prevalent in females than males increases with age and has been associated with hand pain and loss of functional hand use.
Thumb carpometacarpal cmc joint osteoarthritis oa is the second most common form of hand oa affecting between 20 and 30 of the general population. The 1st cmc carpometacarpal joint is a specialized saddle shaped joint at the base of the thumb. The most important joint connecting the wrist to the metacarpus osteoarthritis of the tmc is a severely disabling condition.