Investigating the contribution of the dorsal radial ligament and the anterior oblique ligament to the stability of the trapeziometacarpal joint

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate the contribution of the dorsal radial ligament (DRL) and the anterior oblique ligament (AOL) to the stability of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMCJ). Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on thirty fresh frozen cadaveric hands at the Anatomy Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. The dimensions of AOL and DRL were measured after dissection. The force-displacement system was adhered to the TMCJ, exerted the force in the direction of the thumb flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and recorded the translation of the joint. Then either AOL or DRL was transected randomly and compared the translation of the stated directions.Results: Average age was 72.93±13.79. The dimensions of length, width, and thickness of AOL were 9.390±0.427 mm, 4.613±0.278 mm, and 1.011±0.083 mm, respectively; and of DRL were 9.726±0.383mm, 5.047±0.304 mm, 1.812±0.145 mm. The transection of DRL resulted in more translation of TMCJ in direction of flexion, abduction, and adductionthan the transection of AOL. Conclusions: DRL is significantly longer, wider and thicker than AOL (p<0.01). DRL is more important than AOL in providing stability to the trapeziometacarpal joint. However, AOL has a certain role in the stability of the trapeziometacarpal joint.