Metakarpalknoglene

Metakarpalknoglene, commonly referred to in English as the metacarpal bones, are the five long bones of the hand located between the carpal bones of the wrist and the proximal phalanges of the fingers. They form the palm’s framework and contribute to hand shape and function. They are numbered I to V from the thumb toward the little finger.

Each metacarpal consists of a base at the proximal end, a shaft, and a head at the distal end. The bases articulate with the distal row of carpal bones to form the carpometacarpal joints; the first metacarpal base articulates with the trapezium, while the bases of the other metacarpals articulate with surrounding carpal bones such as the trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. The heads articulate with the proximal phalanges to form the metacarpophalangeal joints, the knuckles, which permit flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction of the fingers. The metacarpals also participate in intermetacarpal joints between adjacent metacarpals.

The first metacarpal is typically shorter and broader, enabling the thumb’s opposable movement. The second metacarpal is often the strongest; its base contributes to wrist stability. Common injuries include fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal (boxer’s fracture) and base fractures of the first metacarpal (Bennett fracture). Treatment of metacarpal fractures ranges from immobilization to surgical fixation depending on displacement and stability. Ossification occurs from multiple centers during childhood and adolescence, with complete maturation by adulthood.