Metacarpophalangeal joint
The metacarpophalangeal joints ( Latin: Articulationes metacarpophalangeae , also abbreviated to “MCP”) connect the metacarpal bones ( ossa metacarpi ) with the phalanges ( proximal phalanges ) of the fingers ( digiti ). A distinction is made here between the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb ( Articulatio metacarpophalangea pollicis ) and the metacarpophalangeal joints of the remaining four fingers ( Articulationes metacarpophalangeae II-V ). The joint socket is formed by the phalanx proximalis , the joint head by the metacarpal bone ( os metacarpi ).
Metacarpophalangeal joint (articulatio metacarpophalangea pollicis)
The thumb joint is functionally a hinge joint . In this joint is articulated (are flexion ) and stretching ( extension ) possible total of approximately 50 degrees. In addition, it can be slightly spread ( abducted ), spread ( adducted ) and rotated ( rotated ). The joint capsule is wide and has side ligaments ( collateral ligaments ).
Metacarpal joints ( Articulationes metacarpophalangeae II-V )
The metacarpophalangeal joints II-V are ball- and- socket joints , but their three possible degrees of freedom are restricted in rotation by the ligamentous apparatus. Only flexion / extension and radial / ulnar abduction / adduction are available in the metacarpophalangeal joints . The collateral ligaments ( ligamenta collateralia ) run from proximal / dorsal to distal / palmar . They are tense when they are flexed and prevent abduction in this position. In addition, the metacarpophalangeal joints II-V are connected to one another by the deep and superficial metacarpal ligaments. Its fibers pull into the joint capsule and the palmar aponeurosis and anchor them in this way. This secures the metacarpal bones to one another and enables abduction / adduction in the metacarpophalangeal joints.
clinic
- Metacarpophalangeal joint reflex : external reflex to check the functionality of the spinal cord
- Gaenslen's sign : pain in the metatarsophalangeal joints when pressure is applied in the context of chronic polyarthritis
swell
- Dual anatomy series, Georg Thieme Verlag
- Pschyrembel Clinical Dictionary, 260th edition, Walter de Gruyter Verlag