What are the names of the joints in the hands?

Names of the Joints in the Hands

The hand contains three main types of joints: distal interphalangeal (DIP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, along with the carpometacarpal (CMC) joints and intercarpal joints within the wrist complex. 1

Main Joint Types in the Hand

Interphalangeal Joints

• Distal Interphalangeal Joints (DIP): Located between the middle and distal phalanges of each finger
• Proximal Interphalangeal Joints (PIP): Located between the proximal and middle phalanges of each finger
• Thumb Interphalangeal Joint (IP): Single interphalangeal joint in the thumb

Metacarpophalangeal Joints (MCP)

• Located between the metacarpal bones and proximal phalanges
• Present in all five digits (thumb and four fingers)
• These joints form the knuckles of the hand 1
• Allow for flexion/extension and abduction/adduction movements
• Also permit passive axial rotation, with greater supination than pronation capability 2

Carpometacarpal Joints (CMC)

• Located between the carpal bones of the wrist and the metacarpal bones
• The first CMC joint (thumb base) is particularly important for thumb opposition and has a unique saddle-shaped configuration 1
• CMC joints of digits 2-5 have less mobility than the thumb CMC

Intercarpal Joints

• Located between the carpal bones within the wrist
• Include multiple articulations between the eight carpal bones

Clinical Significance

Different joint types in the hand are susceptible to different pathologies:

1. Osteoarthritis commonly affects:

   • First carpometacarpal joint (thumb base)
   • Distal interphalangeal joints
   • Proximal interphalangeal joints 1, 3

2. Rheumatoid arthritis frequently affects:

   • Metacarpophalangeal joints
   • Proximal interphalangeal joints 4

3. Joint stability considerations:

   • MCP joints provide important strength to the longitudinal and transverse arch systems of the hand 4
   • The stability of these joints depends on complex interactions between muscles and periarticular connective tissues

Anatomical Relationships

The ACR Appropriateness Criteria notes that hand and wrist imaging evaluations cover:

• Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ)
• Radiocarpal joint
• Intercarpal joints
• Carpometacarpal joints
• Metacarpophalangeal joints
• Interphalangeal joints 1

Functional Considerations

The joints of the hand work together to provide:

• Precision grip (thumb opposition to fingers)
• Power grip (flexion of fingers against palm)
• Fine motor control
• Adaptation to objects during prehensile activities through axial rotation of the MCP joints 2

Understanding the names and functions of these joints is essential for proper diagnosis and management of hand conditions, whether they involve osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injuries.