Correlation Between Adult Height and Metacarpal Length Using Advanced Imaging Modalities

Articles in Press

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Chief, Division of Hand Surgery Rothman Institute Philadelphia, PA

2 Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

3 Rothman Institute Board of Councils, Member Trenton Orthopaedic Group at Rothman Institute, President New Jersey Surgery Center, President

10.22038/abjs.2024.80233.3672

Abstract

Title: Correlation Between Adult Height and Metacarpal Length Using Advanced Imaging Modalities

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between height and metacarpal length in normal adults using computed tomographic (CT) scans. A secondary aim was to determine if differences exist between various finger metacarpals. We hypothesized a direct correlation between height and metacarpal length, with consistent proportions across different finger metacarpals.

Methods: This radiographic study analyzed 40 CT scans of skeletally mature adult patients. Measurements of the metacarpal lengths were taken using the Sectra IDS7 diagnostic imaging platform. Patient demographics, including age, sex, height, weight, and BMI, were collected. Differences between genders and among metacarpals were assessed using independent sample t-tests, while Pearson correlation coefficients determined the relationship between height and metacarpal length. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05.

Results: The study population consisted of 28 men and 12 women, with an average age of 42.6 years. The mean heights and weights were 175.3 cm and 87.4 kg, respectively. The average lengths of the metacarpals were: index, 67.7 mm; long, 66.1 mm; ring, 58 mm; small, 52.3 mm. Pearson correlation coefficients between height and metacarpal lengths averaged 0.71, indicating a significant positive correlation across all metacarpals (P<0.05). The index metacarpal most closely correlated with patient height.

Conclusion: Our findings confirm a significant positive correlation between height and metacarpal length, supporting the hypothesis of a direct relationship. These results suggest that height can be a useful predictor for metacarpal length, potentially aiding in the selection of orthopedic implants and surgical planning for metacarpal fractures. CT scans provide precise measurements, underscoring their value in assessing bony anatomy. Future studies with larger and more diverse populations are needed to validate these findings and explore potential sex-based differences in metacarpal dimensions.

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 January 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 June 2024
  • Revise Date: 16 September 2024
  • Accept Date: 16 September 2024

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