Measurements on hand radiographs from 32 cri-du-chat probands

Various measurements were performed on the hand radiographs of 32 Danish cri-du-chat probands. Mean pattern profiles were made for males, females, children, and adults. Metacarpal index and relative slenderness for metacarpals and proximal phalanges were calculated. The hands were smaller than in normal persons of the same sex and age. In most of the probands, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th metacarpals were disproportionately short, and the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th proximal phalanges were disproportionately long. Only 1 case had a positive metacarpal sign.