FUNCTIONAL-MORPHOLOGY OF THE DEEP TRANSVERSE METACARPAL LIGAMENT

The deep transverse metacarpal ligament extends in radio-ulnar directi on between the palmar plates of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints of the second through fifth finger rays. Continuing along the path of the pa lmar plates, the ligament divides the spaces between the fingers at th e metacarpo-phalangeal border into functional spaces bordered by the l igamentous apparatus of the metacarpophalangeal joint capsules and fil led by blood-vessels, nerves and intrinsic hand muscles. Morphometric examinations of the deep transverse metacarpal ligament indicate a gre ater strain of the radial components between the index and middle fing er in the transverse plane as well as an increased stressing of sagitt al fiber plates connecting the extending apparatus with the deep trans verse metacarpal ligament via the metacarpophalangeal force nucleus. P almar, sagittally directed collagen fiber bundles representing a locat ion of initial or recurrent connective tissue proliferation can be his tologically demonstrated as a connection between peritendinous and per ivascular connective tissue of the palmar interdigital space and the p almar aponeurosis.