Metacarpal bone mass in the white and coloured populations of the Cape

Morphometric measurements (radiogrammetry) of metacarpal cortical bone from fine-grain radiographic film using a magnifying eyepiece (magnification radiogrammetry) is a simple, inexpensive, reproducible and well-accepted method for assessing appendicular bone mass. Normal values for different countries and ethnic groups must first be established before this method can be applied in clinical practice. The need for normative data in South African coloured and white populations prompted this study.