Septic arthritis of the first CMC joint

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Hot swollen thumb. Septic arthritis

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Male

Cannula projected over the 1st metacarpal.

Extensive lucency and bony resorption with cortical bone destruction centered on the 1st CMC joint with a widening of the joint space.

Pathological fracture through the base of the 1st metacarpal.

Minor bony resorption of the radial aspect of the scaphoid and radial tubercle.

Case Discussion

Advance septic arthritis at the base of the thumb with a pathological fracture.

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