Correlation between Adult Height and Metacarpal Length Using Advanced Imaging Modalities

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between height and metacarpal length in normal adults using computed tomographic (CT) scans. A secondary aim was to determine if differences exist between various finger metacarpals. We hypothesized a direct correlation between height and metacarpal length, with consistent proportions across different finger metacarpals.Methods: This radiographic study analyzed 40 CT scans of skeletally mature adult patients. Measurements of the metacarpal lengths were taken using the Sectra IDS7 diagnostic imaging platform. Patient demographics, including age, sex, height, weight, and BMI, were collected. Differences between genders and among metacarpals were assessed using independent sample t-tests, while Pearson correlation coefficients determined the relationship between height and metacarpal length. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05.Results: The study population consisted of 28 men and 12 women, with an average age of 42.6 years. The mean heights and weights were 175.3 cm and 87.4 kg, respectively. The average lengths of the metacarpals were: index, 67.7 mm; long, 66.1 mm; ring, 58 mm; small, 52.3 mm. Pearson correlation coefficients between height and metacarpal lengths averaged 0.71, indicating a statistically significant positive correlation across all metacarpals. The index metacarpal most closely correlated with patient height.Conclusion: Our findings confirm a significant positive correlation between height and metacarpal length, supporting the hypothesis of a direct relationship. These results suggest that height can be a useful predictor for metacarpal length, potentially aiding in the selection of orthopedic implants and surgical planning for metacarpal fractures. CT scans provide precise measurements, underscoring their value in assessing bony anatomy. Future studies with larger and more diverse populations are needed to validate these findings and explore potential sex based differences in metacarpal dimensions. Level of evidence: II