title: Current concepts of the anatomy of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint.
abstract: This review article describes the anatomy of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint. In the final phase of opposition screw home torque rotation of the volar beak of the thumb metacarpal in the pivot area of the trapezium recess and tension on the dorsal ligament complex create stability for power pinch and power grip. The resulting compressive shear forces can lead over time to trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.
authors.affiliation: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. ollie@deltapac.com
authors.forename: J Ollie
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Edmunds
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D052737:Carpometacarpal Joints / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000503:physiopathology; D053401:Palmar Plate / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology; D013933:Thumb / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology