Isolated Second and Third Carpometacarpal Joint Injuries: A Report of 2 Cases

JBJS Case Connect. 2023 Jul 31;13(3). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00541. eCollection 2023 Jul 1.

Abstract

Cases: Two high-level male athletes with isolated second and third carpometacarpal (2, 3 CMC) joint injuries presented with mid-dorsal wrist pain, decreased grip strength, and painful wrist motion. Both reported inciting trauma-1 acutely and the other months after the original injury. Both exhibited 2, 3 CMC joint tenderness and positive provocative testing on exam. Advanced imaging confirmed 2, 3 CMC joint injuries. Both patients returned to preinjury level of play 3 months after diagnosis and surgical treatment.

Conclusion: 2, 3 CMC joint injuries should be considered when evaluating radial/mid-dorsal wrist pain. Surgical treatments range from pin stabilization to fusion depending on chronicity and associated degenerative joint changes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthralgia
  • Carpometacarpal Joints* / diagnostic imaging
  • Carpometacarpal Joints* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pain
  • Radius
  • Wrist
  • Wrist Joint