The thumb CMC joint is the most important single joint in the hand, enabling the thumb opposition that distinguishes human hand function from all other primates. Its unique saddle shape allows biaxial motion plus the rotation needed for opposition. Osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint (basal thumb arthritis, trapeziometacarpal arthritis) is one of the most common joint disorders, affecting up to 25 percent of postmenopausal women and producing the most common cause of radial wrist pain in older adults.
Thumb CMC arthritis presents with basal thumb pain reproduced by the grind test (axial compression with rotation of the thumb metacarpal on the trapezium) and the CMC distraction-shift test. Conservative management with splinting and corticosteroid injection precedes surgical trapeziectomy with or without ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI procedure), which produces reliable pain relief at the cost of thumb shortening and reduced pinch strength.
Trapeziometacarpal joint degeneration producing radial wrist pain reproduced by the grind test in postmenopausal women, managed with splinting and injection before trapeziectomy for advanced disease.
Intra-articular first metacarpal base fracture with CMC dislocation from axial loading requiring closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
