Carpometacarpal bossing

When carpal boss (also carpal bossing or carpe bossu ) is a swelling on the back of the hand in the transition from the carpal bone to the metacarpal bone of the 2nd or 3rd beam. It is caused by bony outgrowths on the involved bone posteriorly behind the joint, which are similar to a nonunion in contact.

Carpal boss in computed tomography: 2 adjacent layers of a sagittal MPR.

Carpal boss in computed tomography: VR 3D reconstruction. Pseudarthrotische connecting the bony prominences at the metacarpal 3 and the trapezoid.

History

The phenomenon was first described in 1931 by the French physician J. Foille, which they observed in himself.

Symptoms

In many cases, makes a carpal boss no problems. Occasionally ( hitting the back of the hand ) shows, however, especially after a direct trauma at this point a sensitivity to pain and possibly even restricted movement. Chronic irritation of the adjacent extensor tendons can also occur.

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis must be differentiated ganglion, which may also occur simultaneously or in addition to a carpal boss.