Osteology of the Hand

After completion of this video session, it is expected that you will be able to: Identify and describe bony features of the carpals, metacarpals and phalanges Carpal: proximal and distal rows; scaphoid: tubercle and waist; lunate: narrow posterior end; triquetral; pisiform; trapezium: ridge and groove for flexor carpi radialis; trapezoid; capitate: largest of the carpal bones; hamate: hook and groove for the deep branch of the ulnar nerve Identify the saddle joint between the trapezium and thumb metacarpal and appreciate its importance in increasing the movements of the thumb Identify the surface anatomical landmarks related to bones of the hand including: Bones that are felt in the floor of the anatomical snuff box, bones at the distal wrist crease, bones at the bases of the thenar and hypothenar muscles, head of metacarpals at the distal palmar crease, styloid process of the third metacarpal Describe the formation and identify the contents of the carpal tunnel Identify that each metacarpal and phalanx has a base, shaft and head Understand that the scaphoid bone is the most frequently fractured carpal bone Explain avascular necrosis that might complicate fracture of the scaphoid Understand that the lunate bone is the most frequently dislocated carpal bone Explain why the ulnar nerve is compressed in Guyon’s canal syndrome Explain why the deep branch of the ulnar nerve is compressed in handle bar neuropathy Explain why the ulnar nerve might be injured following fracture of the hook of the hamate Explain why the median nerve is likely compressed in the carpal tunnel Explain why the tendon of flexor carpi radialis occupies a separate tunnel within the carpal canal Identify boxer’s fracture in an x-ray Outline the appearance of secondary ossification centres in the carpal, metacarpal and phalanges Presented and edited by Dr. Akram Jaffar, Ph.D.