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Review
. 2016 Sep;11(3):271-277.
doi: 10.1177/1558944715614860. Epub 2016 Sep 1.

Carpal Coalitions and Metacarpal Synostoses: A Review

Michael B Gottschalk  1 , Maxim Danilevich  2 , Hilton P Gottschalk  3
Affiliations
Review

Carpal Coalitions and Metacarpal Synostoses: A Review

Michael B Gottschalk et al. Hand (N Y). 2016 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Carpal coalition and metacarpal synostosis are uncommon congenital anomalies of the carpus and hand. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to help guide surgical and non-surgical treatment of carpal coalition and metacarpal synostosis. Results: The embryology, epidemiology, medical and surgical management, and associated outcomes are detailed. Conclusions: Most patients with these disorders will likely benefit from conservative measures. Surgery should be considered in patients with pain and limitations in wrist and hand function.

Keywords: carpal coalition; congenital; hand coalitions; lunotriquetral coalition; synostosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
(a) PA radiograph hand depicting a lunate-triquetrum coalition with a very subtle cleft between the 2 bones distally. The trapezium and trapezoid may have a partial coalition as well. (b) PA radiograph demonstrates a capitate-hamate coalition. (c) PA radiograph with multiple carpal coalitions, including capitate-hamate and scaphoid-trapezium. Note. PA = posteroanterior.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
(a) PA radiograph of the hand with a metacarpal synostosis between the ring and small metacarpals. Note the abduction of the small finger. (b) PA radiograph with the metacarpal synostosis between the middle and ring finger metacarpals. Note. PA = posteroanterior.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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