Correlation between Adult Height and Metacarpal Length Using Advanced Imaging Modalities

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

Rothman Orthopaedic Insitute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

10.22038/abjs.2024.80233.3672

Abstract

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 statistically significant positive correlation across all metacarpals. 
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 sexbased differences in metacarpal dimensions.
 Level of evidence: II

Keywords

Main Subjects

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 13, Issue 6
June 2025
Pages 345-348

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History

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

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