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The third metacarpal boss
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
International Orthopaedics
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Swelling at the base of the 3rd metacarpal bone can signal bony lesions or enlarged styloid processes. Surgical removal of the affected bone area typically resolves the lump and associated wrist pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand and Wrist Anatomy
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Dorsal wrist swelling near the 3rd metacarpal base can stem from bony lesions, enlarged styloid processes, old fractures, or accessory ossicles like os styloideum.
- A history of trauma, such as a fist impact, is common, affecting roughly half of patients.
- Repetitive occupational strain is another potential cause of symptoms in this specific wrist region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of dorsal wrist swelling at the 3rd metacarpal base.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical intervention for symptomatic bony abnormalities in this area.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 14 patients with 15 affected wrists presenting with dorsal wrist swelling.
- Surgical excision of the metacarpal base, including adjacent carpal bones (capitate or trapezoid).
- Repair of the periosteum and extensor tendons following bone removal.
Main Results:
- The surgical procedure successfully removed the palpable lump.
- Patients generally experienced relief from their wrist symptoms post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Surgical excision is an effective treatment for dorsal wrist lumps caused by bony lesions or enlarged styloid processes.
- Addressing the underlying bony abnormality through surgery can alleviate pain and resolve swelling in the affected wrist area.