Metacarpophalangeal Length in the Evaluation of Skeletal Malformation

Abstract

Standards are presented for metacarpal and phalangeal lengths by row and ray (or digit) for 19 tubular bones of the hand, for both sexes separately from infancy through adulthood along with measurements of variability. Information on the 684 means and standard deviations is presented in relation to the relative size of bones within a row, and a comparison of the variabilities of males and females is discussed. The use of bone lengths in hand syndromes of chromosomal, genetic, and endocrine origin are described.