Indian Hand Anthropometry: Computer Tomography-Based Morphometric Analysis of Metacarpal

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Anatomy
• Radiology

Background:

• Metacarpal fractures are common, necessitating precise anatomical knowledge for effective treatment.
• Conventional radiographs limit accurate metacarpal morphometry assessment.
• Computed tomography (CT) offers superior visualization for detailed anatomical analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish precise morphometric data for metacarpals in an Indian population using CT scans.
• To compare these findings with existing international literature.
• To provide data that can optimize surgical fixation techniques for metacarpal fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CT scans from 100 Indian hands (50 male, 50 female).
• Inclusion criteria: complete metacarpal visualization; exclusion criteria: trauma, deformity, pathology.
• Measurements performed using RadiAnt DICOM Viewer for anteroposterior and lateral views.

Main Results:

• The second metacarpal was consistently the longest across both genders.
• General length pattern: 3rd > 4th > 5th > 1st metacarpal.
• Males exhibited larger metacarpal dimensions than females, with minimal sex differences in intramedullary diameter; the 4th metacarpal had the narrowest medullary cavity.

Conclusions:

• This study offers essential metacarpal morphometric data for the Indian population, crucial for surgical planning.
• The consistent length of the second metacarpal and general size dimorphism between sexes are key findings.
• These anatomical insights can refine surgical approaches and guide future orthopedic research.