Purpose. We have observed worsening thumb pain following carpal tunnel release (CTR) in some patients. Our purpose was to determine the effect of open CTR on thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) biomechanics. Methods. Five fresh-frozen cadaver arms with intact soft tissues were used. Each specimen was secured to a jig which fixed the forearm at 45° supination, and the wrist at 20° dorsiflexion, with thu...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to establish an indirect, easy-to-use, predictable and safe means of obtaining the true degree of displacement of fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone, through oblique radiographic views. METHODS An anatomical specimen from the fifth human metacarpal was dissected and subjected to ostectomy in the neck region. A 1-mm Kirschner wire was fixed t...

Background: Metacarpal fractures are among the most common fractures. The majority of metacarpal shaft fractures can be treated conservatively. There are numerous indications for operative treatment and various fixation techniques. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the surgical and clinical outcomes of metacarpal shaft fractures using intramedullary fixation by K-wire (Kirschn...

There are numerous treatment algorithms that have been developed to treat thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. A newer treatment option for these patients is CMC stabilization using suture button suspensionplasty. The authors of this case report have extensive experience with the suture-button suspensionplasty using the Mini TightRope CMC technique (Arthrex). We present a novel usage of the s...

The distribution pattern of collagen fibril diameter in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is known to differ in central and peripheral areas of some regions. This study reports the essence of collagen fibril differences among different regions of the equine SDFT by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and high-voltage electron microscopic observations and biochemical analys...

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to assess three-dimensional bone geometry and density at the epiphysis and shaft of the third meta-carpal bone of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in comparison to healthy controls with the novel method of peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). METHODS PQCT scans were performed in 50 female RA patients and 100 healthy female controls...

Splinting for the common osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb is infrequently described in the literature, but the few splints that are described include one or both adjacent joints. This paper describes the design and biomechanics of a custom-molded thumb CMC immobilization splint that excludes the thumb metacarpophalangeal and wrist joints. The problem of the imbalan...

Metacarpal shaft fractures tend to shorten and angulate. This tendency is accentuated with the fracture of multiple metacarpals. A variety of methods for treatment have been described. The purpose of this study is to present the results of treatment in patients with multiple metacarpal shaft fractures, treated in a minimally invasive manner, with an intramedullary rod device.

We present two patients with a displaced fracture of the small finger metacarpal base, where the shaft of the small finger metacarpal was wedged between the bases of the ring and small finger metacarpals. The striking appearance on radiographs led to initial recommendations for surgery, but both patients preferred non-operative treatment and did well in the short term without surgery.

Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures are common injuries in small animals. They account for 8.1% and 3.3% of all fractures in dogs and cats respectively. This article will discuss the management options available including both surgical and conservative options of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures and the treatment options available. Surgical options discussed include bone plating, dowel pinni...