Isolated Second and Third Carpometacarpal Joint Injuries

Two high-level male athletes with isolated second and third carpometacarpal (2, 3 CMC) joint injuries presented with mid-dorsal wrist pain, decreased grip strength, and painful wrist motion. Both reported inciting trauma-1 acutely and the other months after the original injury. Both exhibited 2, 3 CMC joint tenderness and positive provocative testing on exam. Advanced imaging confirmed 2, 3 CMC joint injuries. Both patients returned to preinjury level of play 3 months after diagnosis and surgical treatment.2, 3 CMC joint injuries should be considered when evaluating radial/mid-dorsal wrist pain. Surgical treatments range from pin stabilization to fusion depending on chronicity and associated degenerative joint changes.