What exactly is a carpal boss? My doctor said I have this on my right hand. Should I get it removed?

Carpal boss or carpal bossing is a bony lump or prominence on the back of the hand, most often at the bottom of the second or middle finger, just above the wrist. Doctors don't know what causes it, but there are theories that range from it's caused from trauma or injury to a degeneration of the bone.

To be diagnosed with carpal boss, your doctor likely tested you and x-rayed the hand to rule out other disorders that could cause the lump, such as tendonitis or even a fracture of the small bones.

The bump is usually not painful but if it is large enough, it could cause some discomfort or inconvenience. Also, some people want surgery because they don't like how it looks. However, there is some debate as to whether the bump would return or not after it is removed.

Reference: 

Amir M. Alemohammad, MD, et al. Incidence of Carpal Boss and Osseous Coalition: An Anatomic Study. In Journal of Hand Surgery. January 2009. Vol. 34A. Pp. 1 to 6.


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