Scapulothoracic bursitis is inflammation of the scapulothoracic bursae present between the scapula and rib cage. Symptomatic scapulothoracic bursitis is not very common. Another similar but different term used is scapulothoracic crepitus [snapping scapula] and it is important to highlight the difference. Scapulothoracic crepitus is referred to as thumping or popping sounds that occur with scapulothoracic […]
Hand and Upper Limb
Bursae Around Shoulder
There are 5-6 bursae around the shoulder. Bursae are the synovial fluid-filled sacs that are present between two surfaces that rub on motion. The purpose of the bursa is to reduce friction and protect the moving tissue. Often these are found at tendon-tendon and tendon-bone interfaces. There are five main bursae around shoulder. They include: […]
Dorsal Digital Expansion or Extensor Expansion
The term dorsal digital expansion refers to the small triangular aponeurosis covering the dorsum of the proximal phalanx with its base at the metacarpophalangeal joint. The main tendon of the extensor digitorum occupies the central part of the expansion and is separated from the metacarpophalangeal joint by a bursa. [Aponeurosis is a flat sheet or […]
Anatomy of Muscles of Arm
The region between the shoulder joint and the elbow joint is called the upper arm or arm. That between elbow and wrist is called forearm. Brachium and antebrachium are anatomical terms for arm and forearm respectively but are not used that commonly. Muscles of arm can be classified as that of a flexor compartment or […]
Rolando Fracture – Presentation and Treatment
Rolando fracture is a three-part intraarticular fracture-dislocation of the base of the thumb. This is an unstable injury that requires surgical reduction and fixation. It is named after Silvio Rolando, an Italian surgeon who described it first. Relevant Anatomy, Mechanism of Injury and Pathophysiology The carpometacarpal joint is between the base of thumb and trapezium […]
Bennett Fracture Causes, Presentation and Treatment
Bennett fracture is an intraarticular fracture involving the base of the thumb and leading to a subluxation of the carpometacarpal joint. It was described initially by Edward Hallaran Bennett in the late nineteenth century. The fracture is inherently unstable and requires adequate reduction and immobilization or fixation. Carpometacarpal joint is critical for pinching and opposition […]
Base of Thumb Fractures and Their Types
Base of thumb fractures are the extra-articular and intraarticular fractures of base of first metacarpal bone. Thumb is a highly important and efficient digit that makes the human hand highly efficient. An unusable thumb could mean a loss of 40% of hand function. Relevant Anatomy [Read complete hand anatomy] Thumb consists of two phalanges and […]
Thumb Injuries Types, Presentation and Treatment
Thumb injuries or fractures and dislocations are one of the common hand injuries. The term thumb injury includes all the injuries from the carpometacarpal joint to the tip of the thumb. There are various types of thumb injuries that come under fractures and dislocations of thumb. Nailbed and fingertip injuries are discussed separately. Thumb is […]
Skier’s thumb – Causes, Symptoms and Teatment
Terms Skier’s thumb and Gamekeeper’s thumb are used for injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament of first metacarpal joint. While Gamekeeper’s thumb was the older term, Skier’s thumb is used more commonly. Ulnar collateral ligament injury of the metacarpal joint was found earlier in people of Europe who wrung the neck of the game like […]
Jersey Finger – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Jersey finger refers to the avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon off of its insertion at the volar aspect of the distal phalanx due to forced hyperextension of the distal interphalangeal joint. It is a type of zone I tendon injury. It is also called a sweater finger or rugby finger and typically occurs […]