Metrical variation in the thumb, index, and middle finger among four samples of both sexes

Metrical length and width parameters of the first through third ray metacarpals and phalanges are presented for four samples of adults of both sexes drawn from radiographs of the Ten State Nutrition Survey (1968-1970). Radiographic measurements were obtained with the aid of a digitizer and computer translation program. The establishment of ranges of variation among these samples allows their use in clinical diagnosis, for example of syndromes via pattern profile analysis. Proportional analyses of hand metrics can now be extended to include widths of the first three rays as well as lengths, and data for such a purpose are now available for American blacks. Mexican-Americans, and Oriental-Americans in addition to American white groups. Examples of intersample variation are given; the need to consider such variation in clinical contexts is emphasized.