The decisive relevance of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) of the thumb is obvious in respect of the need for the grip functions of the hand particularly regarding different kinds of sport. Surprisingly, there is a lack of information especially about the functional morphology of this joint. Based on CT osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM) 10 MPJs aged 52-90 years were investigated and mineralization patterns from the subchondral bone plates assessed. It was shown that the mineralization was higher in the phalangeal part than in the metacarpal one. While the maximum of mineralization lied in the phalangeal plate near the dorsal border in the metacarpal plate it was located more centrally. It was concluded that under high load the contact area also was oriented close to the dorsal joint part. This could be explained by the particular kinematics of this joint. Furthermore, a displacement of the resultant during the end phase of movements could be made responsible for this morphologic reaction.
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