A trapezoid is a type of polygon.
A Greek word came into our language as trapezoid , a term used in geometry and anatomy . As a geometric concept, a trapezoid is an irregular quadrilateral that lacks parallel sides .
Trapezoids are polygons : flat figures that are made up of a finite number of consecutive, straight segments. Polygons that have four sides are called quadrilaterals . The characteristics of quadrilaterals also indicate that they have two diagonals and four vertices and that, when adding their interior angles, the result is 360º .
Within the set of quadrilaterals , on the other hand, figures whose sides are not equal are called irregular quadrilaterals .
Trapezoid as polygon
Having said all this, we can detail that the trapezoid is a polygon (flat figure) that is classified as an irregular quadrilateral (it has four sides that are not equal).
In addition to all the above, we have to highlight the existence of several types of trapezoids, among which the following stand out:
-Asymmetric trapezoid. It is also known by the name scalene trapezoid and is characterized because all its sides are different.
-Symmetrical trapezoid or bissosceles trapezoid. It is identified because it is symmetrical with respect to the major diagonal, because it has two pairs of equal consecutive sides and because it has a pair of opposite angles that are also equal. Not to mention that its diagonals are perpendicular.
a short bone
Moving on to the area of anatomy , the trapezoid is a short bone found in the wrist . This spongy bone has a total of six faces (including two articular faces). The trapezoid articulates with the capitate bone, the trapezius bone, the second metacarpal bone and the scaphoid bone.
It can be said that the trapezoid is in the second row of the carpus, being the second bone in this area. It should be noted that the set of bones that make up the skeleton of the wrist is known as the carpus .
Due to its location, the trapezoid is one of the carpal bones . Carpal injuries, in this sense, are traumas or fractures that affect the trapezoid and the rest of the carpal bones.
The trapezoid is a short bone located in the wrist.
Pathologies that affect the trapezoid
Among the most common pathologies that can affect the aforementioned trapezoid bone is the so-called trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disease that entails not only the disappearance of the cartilage that covers the joints but also their space. Not to mention that a notable hardening of the set of bone areas takes place.
A notable stiffness in the joint, a clear functional disability and loss of strength are three of the common signs experienced by the person who suffers from this type of osteoarthritis that affects the trapezoid. An ailment that will require the patient to undergo different tests that can certify its existence in order to initiate the treatment that is considered most appropriate.
Specifically, we will opt for physiotherapy and even the intake of some specific medication and, in cases where this is required, surgery will be used.