Metacarpals Flashcards
How many metacarpals are there
- 1 Being the thumb and 5 the little finger
How would you identify the 1st Metacarpal
This is the shortest broadest one with a single proximal articular surface which is saddle shaped
How would you side the 1st metacarpal
The maximum projection of the bone at the base is always towards the medial side
How would you identify the 2nd metacarpal
This is the longest metacarpal and is more curved
How would you side the 2nd metacarpal
The most proximal part of the base is a broad, blade-like, medially positioned wedge
How would you identity the 3rd metacarpal
This is the only metacarpal with a sharp projection or styloid process at the base
How would you side the 3rd metacarpal
The styloid process is on the lateral side of the bone
How would you identify the 4th metacarpal
This is the shorter more gracile metacarpal with a square base and more facets
How would you side the 4th metacarpal
The proximal and medial basal facets share a common right-angle articular edge
How would you identify the 5th metacarpal
This is the thinnest and shortest of the metacarpals with two basal facets.
How would you side the 5th metacarpal
The non articular side of the base faces medially
How would you generally side the metacarpals
The bases are always proximal, the palmar shaft surfaces are more concave than the dorsal ones in lateral view.
