Fourth metacarpal bone
The fourth metacarpal bone (metacarpal bone of the ring finger) is shorter and smaller than the third.
Fourth metacarpal bone | |
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Fourth metacarpal of the left hand (shown in red). Palmar view. | |
The fourth metacarpal. (Left.) | |
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | Os metacarpale IV |
Anatomical terms of bone |
The base is small and quadrilateral; its superior surface presents two facets, a large one medially for articulation with the hamate, and a small one laterally for the capitate.
On the radial side are two oval facets, for articulation with the third metacarpal; and on the ulnar side a single concave facet, for the fifth metacarpal.
Clinical relevance
A shortened fourth metacarpal bone can be a symptom of Kallmann syndrome, a genetic condition which results in the failure to commence or the non-completion of puberty. A short fourth metacarpal bone can also be found in Turner syndrome, a disorder involving sex chromosomes.
A fracture of the fourth and/or fifth metacarpal bones transverse neck secondary due to axial loading is known as a boxer's fracture.[1]
Ossification
The ossification process begins in the shaft during prenatal life, and in the head between 11th and 37th months.[2]
Additional images
- Fourth metacarpal bone of the left hand (shown in red). Animation.
- Fourth metacarpal bone of the left hand. Close up.
- Palmar view of the left hand (fourth metacarpal shown in yellow).
- Dorsal view of the left hand (fourth metacarpal shown in yellow).
- A fractured right hand fourth metacarpal (boxer's fracture).
See also
References
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 228 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
- Shultz, S. J., Houglum, P. A., Perrin, D. H. (2010). Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries. Chicago: Human Kinetics
- Balachandran, Ajay; Anooj Krishna; Moumitha Kartha; Libu G. K.; Liza John; Krishnan B (30 December 2013). "A Study of Ossification of heads of 2nd to 5th Metacarpals in Forensic Age Estimation in the Kerala Population" (PDF). Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences. 2 (52): 10165–10171. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
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