[Trapezio second metacarpal joint: anatomical study and clinical matters].
BACKGROUND
An unusual dislocation of the column of the thumb associated with a fracture of the base of the second metacarpal inspired an anatomical study of the trapeziosecond metacarpal joint.


METHODS
Forty-five dissections of the palmar aspect of trapeziometacarpal joint aimed at focusing on palmar ligaments and tendons reinforcing the joints.


RESULTS
Trapeziosecond metacarpal joint is a constant little diarthrosis reinforced by a palmar ligament stressed between the crest of the trapezium and the base of the second metacarpal. The tendon of flexor radialis carpi muscle is an active link due to strong vinculae to trapezium bone and distal attachment to the bases of both second and third metacarpals.


CONCLUSIONS
The connections between the trapezium and the base of the second metacarpal bone play a role in the treatment of thumb instability and their mechanical importance is illustrated in our original clinical observation.
Trost
O
O
Laboratoire d'anatomie, faculté de médecine, université de Bourgogne, 7, boulevard Jeanne-d'Arc, 21000 Dijon, France. otrost@caramail.com
Cheynel
N
N
Benkhadra
M
M
Kahn
J-L
JL
Malka
G
G
Trouilloud
P
P
D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D050823:Hand Joints / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008022:Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology