Anatomical study for elucidating the stabilization mechanism in the trapeziometacarpal joint

To determine the pathogenesis of trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint instability, which leads to osteoarthritis, we investigated the anatomical relationships among the surrounding ligaments, muscles (first dorsal interosseous [FDI] and opponens pollicis [OPP]), and joint capsule. We examined the bone morphology and cortical bone thickening in 25 cadaveric thumbs using micro-computed tomography and performed macroscopic and histological analyses. The dorsal trapezium had a tubercle with cortical bone thickening, corresponding to the attachment of the FDI aponeurosis intermingled with the joint capsule. Radially, the thin joint capsule was observed to underlie the muscular part of the OPP. Therefore, the dorsal ligaments, which have been previously considered static stabilizers, could be interpreted as parts of the capsuloaponeurotic complex consisting of the FDI aponeurosis and joint capsule. In the radial aspect, muscular OPP activation may be essential for TMC joint stabilization. Our findings may contribute to the appropriate management of TMC osteoarthritis.