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Metacarpophalangeal Joints

The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints are condyloid joints between the metacarpal bones and proximal phalanges that allow flexion, extension, adduction, and abduction. They are stabilized by collateral ligaments, palmar ligaments, and deep transverse metacarpal ligaments. The MCP joints are innervated by the posterior interosseous, ulnar, and median nerves and supplied by branches of the radial and ulnar arteries. Flexion and extension are the primary movements enabled at the MCP joints by various finger muscles. Injuries like gamekeeper's thumb involve damage to the ulnar collateral ligament.

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35 views

Metacarpophalangeal Joints

The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints are condyloid joints between the metacarpal bones and proximal phalanges that allow flexion, extension, adduction, and abduction. They are stabilized by collateral ligaments, palmar ligaments, and deep transverse metacarpal ligaments. The MCP joints are innervated by the posterior interosseous, ulnar, and median nerves and supplied by branches of the radial and ulnar arteries. Flexion and extension are the primary movements enabled at the MCP joints by various finger muscles. Injuries like gamekeeper's thumb involve damage to the ulnar collateral ligament.

Uploaded by

tanishq
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Metacarpophalangeal

Joints
INTRODUCTION
• The metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP)
are situated between
the metacarpal bones and the
proximal phalanges of the fingers
• These joints are condyloid type of
joints.
 Condyloid joints
• Condyloid joint (also called condylar, ellipsoidal, or bicondylar) is an ovoid articular surface,
or condyle that is received into an elliptical cavity.
• It Permits movement in two planes, allowing flexion, extension, adduction, abduction,
and circumduction.
• Examples: wrist-joint

                       metacarpophalangeal joints
                       metatarsophalangeal joints
Ligaments
• A short band of tough, flexible fibrous connective tissue which connects
two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint.
• Types of ligaments in Metacarpophalangeal joints:

         (1)COLLATERAL LIGAMENTS

         (2)PALMER LIGAMENTS

         (3) DEEP TRANSVERSE METACARPAL LIGAMENTS                       


                                  
COLLATERAL LIGAMENTS
• The collateral ligaments are major stabilizers of the MCP joint and located on both radial and ulnar
aspects of the joint. 
• They consist of proper collateral and accessory collateral ligaments
• proper collateral ligaments: expand from the posterior tubercles on the dorsolateral aspect of the
metacarpal head to the palmar aspect of the adjacent proximal phalanx.
• accessory collateral ligaments attach more proximal to the metacarpal head and run distally to attach
onto the distal third of the palmar (also known as volar) plate.
PALMAR LIGAMENTS
• The palmar ligament (also referred to as the palmar, or volar, plate) is a dense fibrocartilaginous
thickening located on the palmar aspect of the MCP joint capsule.
• In the thumb, the palmar ligament contains two sesamoid bones, which articulate with palmar facets on
the thumb metacarpal head.
• The main function of this ligament is to prevent hyperextension of the MCP joint.
DEEP TRANSVERSE METACARPAL LIGAMENTS
• The deep transverse metacarpal ligaments are the narrow fibrous bands that run across the palmar
aspect of the second to fifth metacarpophalangeal joints, connecting them together.
• These ligaments mainly contribute to the stability of the MCP joints during grip functions.
INNERVATIONS
• The metacarpophalangeal joints are
innervated by the following nerves;
• Posterior interosseous nerve, a branch
of radial nerve (C5-T1)
• The deep terminal branch of the 
ulnar nerve (C8-T1)
• Palmar branches of the median nerve
 (C6-T1)
BLOOD SUPPLY
• The arterial supply to the MCP joints is
provided by branches of the radial and 
ulnar arteries:
1. Princeps pollicis artery
2. Palmar and dorsal metacarpal
arteries
3. Radialis indicis artery
4. Common palmar digital arteries
MOVEMENTS

• The movements in the metacarpophalangeal joints include flexion, extension, adduction, abduction,
circumduction and limited rotation. Each joint has 2° of freedom.
• Flexion and Extension are primary movements.Active flexion has a range of motion of approximately
90° whereas extension ranges from 10° in the index finger to 30° in the little finger.
• The full range of motion in axis of adduction or abduction is around 25-30°.
Muscles acting on the metacarpophalangeal joint

• Flexion of the thumb is mainly produced by flexor pollicis brevis, aided by 
flexor pollicis longus muscle. 
• Extension of the thumb (from the flexed position) is mainly produced by the extensor pollicis brevis,
with some help from extensor pollicis longus muscle.
• Adduction of the thumb is produced by the adductor pollicis, while the adduction of the other four
digits is produced by palmar interossei muscles.
• Abduction of the thumb is produced by the abductor pollicis longus and abductor pollicis brevis.

• Axial rotation is produced actively by the co-contraction of flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis
brevis.
CLINICAL CORRELATION

• Gamekeeper's thumb is a fairly common injury of the ulnar collateral ligament of the MCP of the
thumb.
• The most common way to injure this ligament is by falling onto an outstretched arm with an abducted
thumb. This injury is most commonly seen in skiers with a ski pole in the hand, which prevents the
adduction of the thumb.

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