Metacarpophalangeal joints
Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints are condyloid type synovial joints between the metacarpal bones and proximal phalanges of the hands.
Gross anatomy
Articulation
Each joint occurs between the round head of the metacarpal and the shallow base of the proximal phalanx .
Movement
- flexion
- extension
- abduction
- adduction
- circumduction
Joint capsule
Each joint is enclosed by a fibrous capsule which attaches to the margins of the articular surfaces and is lined by a synovial membrane .
Ligaments
- two collateral ligaments
- strengthen the capsule on each side and pass from the head of the metacarpal to the base of the phalanx
- palmar ligament (volar ligament)
- a thick, fibrocartilaginous plate that connects the collateral ligaments and attaches firmly to the base of the proximal phalanx and attaches loosely to the head of the metacarpal
Blood supply
Deep digital arteries from the superficial palmar arch
Innervation
Digital nerves from the ulnar and median nerves
Related pathology
