In Vivo Biomechanics of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint: A Preliminary Study of Gender Differences

The thumb carpometacarpal joint, which is also known as the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint, is an essential load bearing joint subject to repetitive functional loading. The unique double saddle articular surfaces allow complex thumb movement, but also provide bony constraint. The TMC joint is the second most common hand joint affected by osteoarthritis (OA) [1]. Prior studies suggest that TMC OA prevalence in females is much higher than that in males [1], though there hasn’t been any conclusive explanation for etiology or gender difference. Better understanding of TMC joint mechanics will provide insights regarding OA development at this joint and possible variations due to gender differences. Better knowledge of the etiology will help to improve prevention and treatment. Extensive studies have been done based on cadaveric models [2]; while there have been very few in vivo studies on TMC joint mechanics. Therefore, the objective of this study is to quantitatively compare in vivo contact mechanics of TMC joint of males and females.