Various Hand Joints Affected by Arthritis, Posterior View

Description

Dorsal (posterior) anatomy of an adult male hand is rendered with the carpal bones forming the proximal wrist and the five metacarpals extending distally to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, where the proximal phalanges begin. Blue joint markings delineate the radiocarpal and intercarpal articulations, the carpometacarpal joints, and the finger joints (proximal and distal interphalangeal joints) in a finger-extended position. Periarticular swelling and erythematous shading cluster around the MCP region, with smaller foci tracking distally along the PIP and DIP levels, and bony contours of the metacarpal heads and phalangeal bases remain clearly separated for side-to-side comparison. Orientation favors dorsal landmarks. This dorsal perspective matters because many inflammatory arthritides announce themselves at the MCP and PIP joints, where synovitis, capsular distension, and early erosive change drive pain and progressive deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis classically targets the MCPs and can progress to ulnar drift and extensor tendon imbalance at the dorsal hood, while osteoarthritis more often emphasizes the DIP and first carpometacarpal joint, producing Heberden nodes and thumb base pain that alters pinch. Seeing the joint chain from carpus through phalanges in one plane helps you localize which joint set matches the patient’s distribution before you ever order radiographs, ultrasound, or MRI. Suitable for rheumatology teaching on joint distribution patterns, hand surgery and orthopaedics modules on MCP synovitis and tendon imbalance, and anatomy or pathology chapters that need a clean map of carpus, metacarpals, and interphalangeal joints. Also fits patient-facing clinic handouts that explain why swelling at the knuckles (MCPs) differs from distal finger arthritis and why the first CMC joint is a separate problem. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.