Carpal Bossing

What is Carpal Bosing?

Carpal Bossing is the name given to a condition which causes a lump on the back of the hand at the junction of the long finger bones and the small wrist bones. Arthritis, as a result of the thinning of the articular cartilage lining, encourages spurs of new bone which are produced as a natural response causing this prominence and swelling.

How to prevent Carpol Bossing

Carpal Bossing is typically caused after a knock to the back of the wrist so for a boxer technique and wearing the correct equipment is vital.

There is no standard procedure for preventing Carpal Bossing other than taking care of yourself.

Respite is a key component of injury prevention, allowing the body to recover fully and rest between activities. Cold therapy or ice will help reduce inflammation and soreness after a workout. Lastly, always wear hand wraps and try wherever possible to use at least 16oz gloves during sparring sessions.

Symptoms

Symptoms No characteristic symptoms have been reported. The usual complaint, if any, is mild aching and easy fatigability of the wrist. No functional disturbance has been recorded other than a clicking sensation due to slipping of the extensor tendon over the boss.

How to treat Carpal Bossing

In the first instance treatment should start with non-operative options, activity modification can be an effective way to manage pain coupled with anti-inflammatory medication. A wrist brace will also help during certain activities or a steroid injection may be recommended by a doctor. An injection is given of a long-acting steroid, such as Depomedrone or Triamcinolone, with some local anaesthetic into the joint. The body naturally produces steroids to help dampen down inflammation. This appears to be one of the actions at this site. The operation is called excision of carpal boss. It is only required infrequently. The operation is almost always performed under local anaesthetic. A band, like a blood pressure cuff, is placed around the top of the arm. It is inflated (tightened) during the operation to reduce bleeding, which makes the operation easier and safer.