Musculoskeletal Key

Carpal Metacarpal Fractures and Dislocations Thumb Injuries to the carpometacarpal (CMC) region of the thumb include CMC dislocations, simple fracture dislocations (Bennett’s fracture), comminuted intraarticular fracture dislocations (Rolando’s fracture), and…

Chronic Carpal Instability General Information Injuries to the intrinsic and extrinsic carpal ligaments may alter the normal mechanics of the wrist, resulting in pain, disability, and possibly degenerative changes. Diagnostic…

Acute Carpal Dislocations and Ligamentous Injuries General Information Acute carpal dislocations and acute ligamentous injuries of the wrist represent a spectrum of traumatic injuries to the wrist. Acute carpal dislocations…

Carpal Fractures Scaphoid General Information The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone. This fracture occurs most frequently in young adult men, but may be seen in elderly persons…

Casting and Splinting The purpose of a cast or splint is to immobilize the extremity in a desirable position to allow healing of the injured structures and to prevent late…

Distal Radius Fractures General Information Fractures of the distal radius are the most common group of fractures seen. These fractures represent a very heterogeneous group of injuries seen in a…

Physical Examination of the Hand Accurate diagnosis of hand problems relies on a careful physical examination. The examiner’s skills improve with practice, especially if the examination is organized into a…

Anesthesia for Hand Surgery Adequate anesthesia is essential in the proper evaluation and treatment of most hand injuries. The type of anesthesia required is dictated by the level and severity…

Anatomy Terminology The hand and digits are described using standard terminology (Fig. 1). They are composed of a dorsal surface, a volar or palmar surface, and radial and ulnar borders….