Trapezoid bone

Structure

The trapezoid is a four-sided carpal bone found within the hand. The trapezoid is found within the distal row of carpal bones.

Surfaces

The superior surface, quadrilateral, smooth, and slightly concave, articulates with the scaphoid.

The inferior surface articulates with the proximal end of the second metacarpal bone; it is convex from side to side, concave from before backward and subdivided by an elevated ridge into two unequal facets.

The dorsal and palmar surfaces are rough for the attachment of ligaments, the former being the larger of the two.

The lateral surface, convex and smooth, articulates with the trapezium.

The medial surface is concave and smooth in front, for articulation with the capitate; rough behind, for the attachment of an interosseous ligament.

Function

The carpal bones function as a unit to provide a bony superstructure for the hand.

Clinical Significance

Isolated fractures of the trapezoid are rare, representing 0.4% of the total, thus being the least common of all carpal fractures. This is due to the bone being in a fairly protected position. Distally, it forms a stable, relatively immobile joint with the second metacarpal, radially and proximally it forms strong ligaments with the trapezium and the capitate ulnarly, scaphoid respectively.

However, injury can occur through axial force applied to the second metacarpal base. Subluxations, such as ones caused by delivering a blow, are not uncommon. Direct trauma to the bone can also cause fracture.

Due to its rarity, standard treatment has not been established. A wide range of treatments are possible, including rest, surgery and casting.

Etymology

The etymology derives from the Greek trapezion which means "irregular quadrilateral," from tra- "four" and peza "foot" or "edge." Literally, "a little table" from trapeza meaning "table" and -oeides "shaped."

Additional images

File:Trapezoid bone (left hand) - animation01.gif|Position of trapezoid bone (shown in red). Left hand. Animation. File:Trapezoid bone (left hand) - animation02.gif|Trapezoid bone of the left hand. Close up. Animation. File:Trapezoid bone.jpg|Trapezoid bone. File:RightHumanPosteriorDistalRadiusUlnaCarpals - Trapezoid bone.png|Right hand posterior view (dorsal view). Thumb on bottom. File:Gray220 - Trapezoid bone.png|Trapezoid shown in yellow. Left hand. Dorsal surface. File:Gray219 - Trapezoid bone.png|Trapezoid shown in yellow. Left hand. Palmar surface. File:Gray422 - Trapezoid bone.png|Transverse section across the wrist (palm on top, thumb on left). Trapezoid bone shown in yellow (labelled as "Lesser Multang"). File:Ospoignet - Trapezoid bone.png|Cross section of wrist (thumb on left). Trapezoid shown in red (labelled as "Lesser Multang").

References

References

1. Drake, Richard L.. (2005). "Gray's anatomy for students". Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone.
2. (2008). "Rare isolated trapezoid fracture: a case report". Hand (N Y).