Bone
Metacarpals
Five bones of the palm
High-yield
The 5th metacarpal neck is fractured in a 'boxer's fracture' from punching with a closed fist.
Overview
Five miniature long bones forming the skeleton of the palm, numbered 1-5 from the thumb, each with a base, shaft, and head.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Long (miniature)
- Key landmarks
- Base; Shaft (body); Head (knuckle)
- Articulations
- Distal carpal row (carpometacarpal joints); Proximal phalanges (metacarpophalangeal joints)
Clinical correlation
Boxer's fracture = fracture of the 5th metacarpal neck.
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the metacarpals?
The metacarpals is a long (miniature) bone.
What does the metacarpals articulate with?
The metacarpals articulates with the distal carpal row (carpometacarpal joints); Proximal phalanges (metacarpophalangeal joints).
What are the key landmarks of the metacarpals?
Key landmarks of the metacarpals include the base; Shaft (body); Head (knuckle).