A Multimodality Review of Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Injuries

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is an anatomically complex diarthrodial joint stabilized via a combination of ligamentous, tendinous, fibrocartilaginous, and osseous structures. These structures are prone to injury and often require imaging for accurate delineation of the specific anatomy involved. Radiography, ultrasound, and MRI serve complementary roles in the characterization of thumb MCP joint injuries, with each having its own inherent strengths and weaknesses. We will highlight the most common injuries to the thumb MCP joint, including injuries to the ulnar and radial collateral ligaments, volar plate, flexor pollicis longus tendon, and annular pulley as well as multiligamentous injuries, and we will discuss the key imaging features of each and, when applicable, their surgical implications.