Thumb carpometacarpal joint anatomy in 3D
The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is where the trapezium in the far row of wrist bones meets the base of the thumb metacarpal, at the root of the thumb near the wrist. It is what lets the thumb move widely and independently of the other fingers.
Frequently asked questions
Which bones form the thumb carpometacarpal joint?
The thumb carpometacarpal joint is formed by the trapezium and the first metacarpal bone.
What type of joint is the thumb carpometacarpal joint?
It is a saddle joint: both joint surfaces curve like a saddle, crossing each other, so it moves in two planes.
What movements happen at the thumb carpometacarpal joint?
It flexes and extends the thumb, moves it away from the palm and back (abduction and adduction), and allows opposition, bringing the tip of the thumb to meet the other fingertips.
Bones of the thumb carpometacarpal joint
Other joints
- Shoulder joint
- Acromioclavicular joint
- Elbow joint
- Radioulnar joints
- Wrist joint
- Hip joint
- Sacroiliac joint
- Knee joint
- Ankle joint
- Subtalar joint
- Temporomandibular joint
- Atlanto-occipital joint
- Atlanto-axial joint
- Intervertebral joints
- Costovertebral joints
Skeleton
Read more
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