Carpometacarpal joint injuries of the fingers

Injuries to the carpometacarpal joints are uncommon and are sometimes overlooked on initial radiographs. Their recognition depends on a careful physical and radiographic examination that may require trispiral tomograms and CT scans. Most injuries can be treated successfully by closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of the joint(s) using Kirschner wires. Chronic joint injuries can also be effectively treated, and if surgery is required, an arthrodesis will restore stability and eliminate discomfort.