[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/) › Deep transverse metacarpal ligament

[Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/)

# Deep transverse metacarpal ligament

The deep transverse metacarpal ligament links the heads of the finger palm bones across the hand, holding them together in a firm arch.

[See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=upper_limb&select=deep_transverse_metacarpal_lig&side=r)

Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed.

## What it is

A band linking the palm-side plates of the knuckles of the 2nd to 5th fingers.

## What it does

Keeps the metacarpal heads together in a tight arch.

## Key points

- The lumbricals pass palmar to it and the interossei dorsal to it: a classic exam distinction
- The digital nerves and [digital arteries](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/palmar-digital-arteries/) also run palmar to it, between the [flexor tendon sheaths](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-tendon-synovial-sheaths/)
- By tying the metacarpal heads together it limits shortening and rotation of isolated 3rd and [4th metacarpal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/4th-metacarpal/) fractures; the border metacarpals have support on one side only
- The thumb has no such link, which leaves it free to move on its own

## Key facts

**Attaches**
Joins the palmar plates of MCP joints 2–5

**Function**
Holds the metacarpal heads together

**Tight in**
Spreading of the fingers

## Relations

**Course**
Runs across the palm at the level of the metacarpal heads, joining the volar plates of the index, middle, ring and little finger MCP joints

**In front**
Lumbricals, [digital nerves](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/palmar-digital-nerves/) and arteries, and the flexor tendons in their sheaths; vertical septa from the [palmar aponeurosis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/palmar-aponeurosis/) anchor onto it

**Behind**
Tendons of the dorsal interossei and [palmar interossei](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/palmar-interossei/), on their way to the extensor mechanism

## How to find it

Not palpable. It lies deep in the palm at about the level of the distal palmar crease; in dissection it appears after the flexor tendons are retracted, with the lumbricals in front of it and the interossei behind.

## On imaging

Not seen on radiographs. Ultrasound or MRI show it as a thin band joining the palmar plates of the 2nd to 5th MCP joints, with the lumbrical tendons palmar to it and the interossei dorsal. Radiographs show its effect: isolated 3rd and 4th metacarpal shaft fractures shorten and rotate less than those of the border metacarpals.

## Clinical notes

- Ray amputation of a central finger: suturing the ligaments of the neighbouring fingers together closes the gap and helps prevent scissoring
- Its septal attachments divide the distal palm into separate canals, which helps contain web space and palmar infections

## Memory aid

Lumbricals Lie in front; Interossei go In behind.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which muscles pass palmar and which dorsal to the deep transverse metacarpal ligament?

The lumbricals pass palmar to it; the interossei pass dorsal to it.

## What does the deep transverse metacarpal ligament join?

The palmar (volar) plates of MCP joints 2 to 5; the thumb has no such link, so it moves freely.

## Why do isolated 3rd and 4th metacarpal fractures shorten and rotate little?

The deep transverse metacarpal ligament ties their heads to neighbours on both sides; border metacarpals have support on one side only.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/deep-transverse-metacarpal-ligament/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
ligamentum metacarpeum transversum profundum TA2 1838

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Ligamento metacarpiano transverso profundo

**English (TA2)**
Deep transverse metacarpal ligament

## Related

- [Volar plates (knuckles)](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/volar-plates-of-the-mcp-joints/)
- [2nd metacarpal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/2nd-metacarpal/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Metacarpophalangeal Joints](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538428/).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/deep-transverse-metacarpal-ligament/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/deep-transverse-metacarpal-ligament/