Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2016, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (6): 609-614.doi: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2016.06.003

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Anatomical analysis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint ligaments

ZHANG Yu, XU Nan-wei, SUN Rong-bin   

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, Changzhou 2nd People’s Hospital Affilited to Nanjin Medcial University, Changzhou 213003, China
  • Received:2016-04-11 Online:2016-11-25 Published:2016-12-20

Abstract:

Objective To dissect the ligaments surrounding the first carpometacarpal joint and observe its histologic characteristics, and to explore the role of the supporting ligaments in maintaining the stability of the first carpometacarpal joint. Methods Ligaments connection site and direction were identified in 10 frozen fresh cadavers and its width, length, and thickness were measured and recorded for morphometric analysis and comparison. The dorsal and volar ligaments were excised from the fresh- frozen specimens for further histological observation. Results Seven ligaments of the thumb carpometacarpal joint were identified: three dorsal deltoid-shaped ligaments complex (dorsal radial, dorsal central, posterior oblique), whose thickness were (1.24±0.12) mm , (1.91±0.15) mm, and (1.61±0.12) mm, resepectively. Two volar ligaments (anterior oblique and ulnar collateral), whose thickness were (0.78±0.11) mm, and (1.03±0.11) mm, respectively. Two ulnar ligaments (dorsal trapeziometacarpal and intermetacarpal), whose thickness were (0.78±0.19) mm, and (0.89±0.19) mm, respectively. The dorsal ligaments were significantly thicker (P<0.01) than the volar ligaments. The dorsal radial ligament, dorsal central ligament and posterior oblique ligament had a significantly greater cellularity compared with the anterior oblique ligament. Cells in posterior oblique ligament were also more than the ulnar collateral ligament; there were significant differences (P<0.05).Conclusions Three dorsal ligaments are a thick and tough complex, which play a more important role in thumb carpometacarpal joint stability.

Key words: Thumb, Carpometacarpal joint, Dorsal ligaments complex