It is also known as the greater multangular bone.
The trapezium is the last bone in the row of wrist bones, located beneath the thumb joint.
It also touches two other bones in the wrist joint, the scaphoid and trapezoid bones.
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The trapezium is involved in many small motions over time due to how frequently most individuals use their thumbs.
Articulations
Articulations are where bones meet.
The inferior surface touches the first metacarpal bone, also known as the thumb.
One aspect of the medial surface of the trapezium touches another wrist bone called the trapezoid.
The second aspect of the trapeziums medial surface touches the second metacarpal or the bone of the second finger.
The tubercle (small rounded point) of the trapezium sometimes connects to the abductor pollicis brevis muscle.
Anatomical Variations
There are minor anatomical variations related to the trapezium bone.
Arthritis at the base of the thumb is called basal joint arthritis.
Occupational and physical therapy may also be recommended.
If an inflammatory condition affecting the trapezium isn’t treated, it can cause tendons and ligaments to loosen.
If the tendons and ligaments loosen, the trapezium may fall out of place.
If this happens, it can cause mild or moderate pain at first.
Treatment for loose ligaments and tendons involves strengthening programs with a physical therapist or an occupational therapist.
A trapezium fracture is diagnosed through radiography (e.g., X-rays).
Afracturedscaphoidbone, along with other small bones in the wrist, is treated similarly to a trapezium fracture.
Rehabilitation
Occupational and physical therapy can help rehabilitation of osteoarthritis and loose ligaments and tendons.
A large part of rehabilitating a trapezium fracture involves maintaining motion during the immobilization period.
This includes moving the other digits of the hand along with the forearm.
Pain management is also a large part of treatment at this point in the rehabilitation process.
Summary
The trapezium bone is essential to hand movement, especially with thumb movement.
Several conditions can affect the trapezium.
If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, surgical options are available, too.
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National Health Service Greater Glasgow and Clyde.Advice after having a trapeziectomy.
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