Radiographic-anatomical correlation of dimensions of the metacarpal and proximal phalanx of the Chinese little finger

Abstract

Knowing that the dimensions of finger bones has a bearing on the manufacture of implants and prostheses for Asian patient, this study documents the transverse dimensions of the proximal phalanx and metacarpal of the little finger in Chinese hands, and correlates these with measurements obtained by radiographs. The study group consisted of 50 embalmed cadaver hands of Chinese subjects. The proximal phalanx and metalcarpals of each little finger were examined by radiographs. These 50 little finger specimens were then dissected. Mean measurements of the dissected specimens at various points were: D1 13.5 mm (±1.33), D2 7.4 mm (±0.64), D3 9.9 mm (±0.66), D4 13.7 mm (±1.42), D5 7.6 mm (±0.71) and D6 8.2 mm (±0.63). The percent coefficient of variation (%CV) was lower in the group of outside diameters than in the group of inside diameters. Correlation between the radiography and cadaveric specimen dimensions was generally fair (P<0.05). Radiography is a satisfactory method for measuring the tubular bones of Chinese hands.