metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP)

Function

• movements in two planes:
  • flexion-extension
  • adduction-abduction

Structure

• the condyloid type of synovial joints between the heads of the metacarpals & the bases of the proximal phalanges
• the palmar aspects of the metacarpal heads are partially divided, so the joint is nearly bicondylar

Arterial supply

• deep digital artery

Pathology

• commonly involved in rheumatoid arthritis
• 2nd & 3rd metacarpophalangeal joints involved in hemochromatosis
• rash with papules & plaques over the knuckles (metacarpophalangeal joints) & proximal interphalangeal joints (Gottron's papules) in dermatomyositis

More general terms

• synovial joint (diarthrosis)

Component of

• hand