Carpal boss or bossing is the term given to a bony lump on the back of the hand.
Carpal bossing is due to an osseous (bony) formation at the base of themetacarpal bonesof the hand.
Signs and Symptoms of a Carpal Boss
A carpal boss is typically asymptomatic.
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This key in of trauma can cause irritation around the carpal boss.
What Causes a Carpal Boss?
Experts don’t know the exact cause of carpal bossing.
X-rays are typically performed to confirm the diagnosis of a carpal boss.
If it is painful or inflamed, anti-inflammatory analgesics such as ibuprofen may be suggested.
Surgery
Surgery for carpal bossing is usually done under local or regional anesthetic.
However, excision has risks of joint instability as well as a common risk of infection and scarring.
Summary
A carpal boss is a bony lump on the back of the hand.
It may have no symptoms other than its appearance, but it can become irritated if subjected to trauma.
Its causes are generally unknown.
It is diagnosed with an X-ray.
It usually needs no specific treatment except for anti-inflammatories if it becomes irritated.
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2015;10(1):155-158. doi:10.1007/s11552-014-9623-0
