Summary
The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints II to V of 21 hands were examined radiologically and arthrographically. Different recesses of the joint cavity were demonstrated both radiologically and macroscopically, with a dominating dorsal recess. The existing forms of the dorsal recess were one-tailed, two-tailed, three-tailed, symmetric and caplike. Additionally, a palmar recess was found in the specimens examined, which presented as a small protrusion of the capsule and lay between the metacarpal head and the palmar plate. Furthermore, a distal recess was filled and unfolded in almost all the cases. Lateral recesses were found in the radial and ulnar directions beneath the collateral ligaments. The dorsal recess, due to its ability to collect fluid, is of clinical importance in pathologic processes causing effusions, while the clinical importance of the lateral recesses lie in their proximity to the stabilizing collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal joints. The above mentioned recesses were seen as normal formations of the MCP joints and should therefore be taken into account in pathologic processes in this area.
Résumé
Les articulations métacarpophalangiennes (MCP) des 2ème au 5ème doigts de 21 mains ont été explorées en radiographie standard et en arthrographie. Plusieurs récessus articulaires, dont un récessus dorsal prédominant, ont été mis en évidence à la fois sur les radiographies et macroscopiquement. Les récessus dorsaux observés pouvaient comprendre une, deux ou trois cornes ou prendre un aspect de coiffe. Un récessus palmaire a été également trouvé sur 49 pièces sous la forme d'une petite expansion capsulaire entre la tête métacarpienne et la plaque palmaire. Un récessus distal était de plus rempli dans presque tous les cas. Des récessus latéraux étaient trouvés sur les bords radial et ulnaire, entre les ligaments latéraux. Les épanchements articulaires se collectent volontiers dans le récessus dorsal qui se manifeste cliniquement. Les récessus latéraux sont cliniquement intéressants par leur proximité avec les ligaments latéraux des MCP. Les récessus décrits sont des structures normales des MCP et ne doivent pas être pris pour des éléments pathologiques.
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Bade, H., Koebke, J. & Nieden, A.z. Radiologic anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal joints II to V. Surg Radiol Anat 19, 323–327 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01637603
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01637603