metakarpalknogler

Metakarpalknogler, known in English as the metacarpal bones, are the five long bones of the hand that lie between the carpal bones of the wrist and the proximal phalanges of the fingers. They form the palm and provide the main bony framework for hand function, supporting grip, dexterity, and endurance during manual tasks.

There are five metacarpal bones, labeled I through V from the thumb side to the little finger side. Each metacarpal has a proximal base that articulates with the distal row of carpal bones, a shaft (the long body), and a distal rounded head that articulates with the proximal phalanx at the metacarpophalangeal joint (the knuckles). The first metacarpal is especially mobile and forms the base of the thumb, enabling opposition and a wide range of thumb movements.

The metacarpals contribute to the hand’s arches and function in various grips. They transmit loads from the fingers to the wrist and help convert finger movements into coordinated hand actions. Movements at the metacarpophalangeal joints include flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, while the carpometacarpal joints connect the metacarpals to the carpal bones and allow limited gliding and rotation, with the first carpometacarpal joint (thumb) permitting the most mobility.

Clinical relevance includes injuries such as metacarpal fractures, commonly called boxer's fractures when affecting the neck of the fifth metacarpal. Degenerative conditions like basal joint arthritis at the first carpometacarpal joint can impair thumb function. Proper imaging and treatment depend on fracture location and joint involvement.