Six hundred fifty-one metacarpal bones of Koreans were studied for variations in articular and non-articular surface and the number, position and direction of the diaphyseal nutrient foramina. The facets for articulation of the metacarpal bone with one another showed very frequent variations from the standard text-book description. The number and the sites of entry of the diaphyseal nutrient foramina also showed considerable variations. These findings show no apparent racial difference in variations of metacarpal bones between a Korean and an Indian.
Metacarpal Bones*

A study on transfer of toe to replace the finger by microsurgical technique has shown that the successful rate is 7/7(100%) with favorable results in which2 cases replaced by great toe and 5 cases replaced by second toe. The functions of thumb and hand were well recovered. Transfer of toe was indicated incase of completed lost thumb and metacarpal bone in order to ensure the functional recovering of toe and metacarpal bone. The transfer of second toe was indicated in case of lost head of metacarpal bone I. Toe lost metatarsus must not influence to walking and activities of patients
Microsurgery ; Metacarpal Bones ; Toes

Avulsion fractures involving insertions of the radial extensors at the base of the index and middle metacarpals are quite rare. However, avulsion fractures at the insertion site of the extensor carpi radialis longus on the index metacarpal and avulsion fractures involving the extensor carpi radialis brevis insertion at the base of the middle finger metacarpal have been reported. Although there are many reports of fractures of the base of the first metacarpal, there are few recommendations available for treatment of these injury. We report two avulsion fractures at the extensor carpi radialis longus insertion, which were treated with an open reduction and internal fixation of the avulsed bony fragment using a miniplate and screw.
Fingers ; Metacarpal Bones

The palm prints are unique in each individual and permanent for a lifetime. The atd angle of palm is formed by triradii of palm prints. The aim of this study is to identify the reasons why males have smaller atd angles, even with larger palms than females have. This study was done on 379 individuals (males : 174 individuals, females : 205 individuals). Data were collected by measuring atd angles using a protractor, distance from triradii a to d, length from triradii t to the distal palmar crease (DPC), palm breadth at metacarpals and palm length perpendicular using digital callipers. The data were analyzed through the frequency, independent sample t-test, paired t-test, Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS win 14.0. This study showed that atd angles of 39.2 degrees in males are significantly smaller than those of females (40.5 degrees). Males' were wider than females' in palm breadth, palm length and distance from triradii a to d, however, there was no sexual difference in the length from triradii t to the DPC. In addition, the ratio of palm breadth to palm length was higher in males than in females, however, the ratio of the length from triradii t to the DPC to palm length, and the ratio of the distance from triradii a to d to palm breadth of males were lower than those of females. Especially, atd angles in males and females were more correlative with the ratio of the length from triradii t to the DPC to palm length. The results of this study suggest that the differences in the atd angles between males and females arise from the ratio of length from triradii t to the DPC to palm length and the ratio of distance from triradii a to d to palm breadth. In both of the cases, males exhibited lower ratios than females. Especially, the ratio of the length from triradii t to DPC to palm length affected more to the atd angle than any other ratios.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Metacarpal Bones ; Sex Characteristics

Avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head named as 'Dieterich disease' is a very rare condition. Because of the lack of information about the natural course and treatment of this disease, the ideal treatment has not been established as yet. We report a case of avascular necrosis that occurred at the 3rd metacarpal head after fractures of the 4th and 5th metacarpal base; this was treated conservatively and obtained the spontaneous resolution.
Head ; Metacarpal Bones ; Metacarpus ; Necrosis ; Osteonecrosis

An unusual case is presented as bilateral, complete digital duplication of the hand in a 32-year-old man. Radiographic evaluation showed complete duplication of intact phalanges and metacarpal bones in both hands. Although polydactyly of the hand is reported to occur among approximately 1 in 1000 live births, most of these malformations are rudimentary skin tags. Complete postaxial polydactyly is uncommon; it occurs in approximately 0.014% of all live births. The main goal of the surgical treatment is to establish adequate function and appearance. This case reports the preoperative evaluation and management of bilateral postaxial type III duplication of the fingers.
Adult ; Fingers ; Hand ; Humans ; Live Birth ; Metacarpal Bones ; Polydactyly* ; Skin

BACKGROUND: We sought to estimate the ultimate tensile strength after metacarpal shaft fracture repair in adults using three operative fixation methods: plate fixation, Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation, and intramedullary headless compression screw fixation. We also compared the advantages and disadvantages of each operative technique. METHODS: We acquired 30 metacarpal bones from four Korean adult cadavers without trauma, operative history, or deformities. The 30 metacarpal bones were divided into ten groups consisting of three metacarpal bones each with matching sizes and lengths. They were fractured, reduced, and fixed with plate and screws, K-wires, or headless compression screws. We performed force testing, collected ultimate tensile strength data, and created a stress-strain graph. RESULTS: The ultimate tensile strength of ten groups according to the fixation method was as follows: late and screw fixation, 246.1 N (range, 175.3 to 452.4 N); K-wire fixation, 134.6 N (62.7 to 175.0 N); and intramedullary headless compression screw fixation, 181.2 N (119.2 to 211.7 N). The median tensile strength of each fixation method was significantly different. In addition, the post-hoc test showed significant difference between the plate and screw fixation and K-wire fixation, between the headless compression screw fixation and K-wire fixation, and between the headless compression screw fixation and plate and screw fixation. CONCLUSIONS: The tensile strength median values decreased in the following order showing significant differences among the fixation methods: plate and screw fixation, headless compression screw fixation, K-wire fixation. Significant differences were also observed between the plate and screw fixation and K-wire fixation, between the headless compression screw fixation and K-wire fixation, and between the headless compression screw fixation and plate and screw fixation.
Adult ; Cadaver ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Humans ; Metacarpal Bones ; Methods ; Tensile Strength

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefit of digital infrared thermography imaging (DITI) and three-phase bone scintigraphy (TPBS) for detecting the post-hemiplegic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). METHOD: DITI and TPBS were done in 26 patients with post-hemiplegic CRPS clinically and 14 hemiplegic patients without CRPS as controls. Positive findings were interpreted when the affected hands were 1.0degrees C higher than those of unaffected hands in DITI system and pathological uptake in the regions of interest (hands without fingers-carpal bones, metacarpal bones and metacarpopharyngeal joints) in delayed phase of the TPBS. RESULTS: The sensitivities of DITI and TPBS to detect CRPS were the same to each other as 46.2%, and specificities were 85.7% and 100% respectively. Nineteen of 26 patients (sensitivity=73.1%) were interpreted as abnormal when at least one test showed a positive finding. As a result, an increased diagnostic strength was achieved. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the combination of TPBS and DITI can improve the diagnostic strength of post- hemiplegic CRPS.
Hand ; Hemiplegia ; Humans ; Metacarpal Bones ; Radionuclide Imaging* ; Thermography*

Acrodysostosis is a rare multiple congenital malformation syndrome with peripheral dysostosis, nasal hypoplasia, mental retardation and growth failure. In 1968, Maroteaux and Malamut first described this disorder in three patients, and thus far now over 30 published cases have been reported worldwide. Radiographic changes include severe shortening of metacarpals, metatarsals, and phalages, cone-shaped epiphyses of the hands and feet, premature fusion of the epiphyses, and advanced bone age. Most patients do relatively well except for the problems of mental deficiency and arthritic complaints. Progressive restriction of movement of the hands, elbows, and spine may occur. Recently, we experienced a case of acrodysostosis in and 11-year-old boy who presented with short stature, short hands and feet, nasal hypoplasia, mental retardation, and typical radiographic findings including severe shortening of metacarpals, metatarsals and phalanges, cone-shaped epiphyses of the hands and feet.
Child ; Dysostoses ; Elbow ; Epiphyses ; Foot ; Hand ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability ; Male ; Metacarpal Bones ; Metatarsal Bones ; Spine

We present the technical report for treatment of comminuted fracture of the capitate with ligamentotaxis. The base of third metacarpal was found to be fractured with comminution of the capitate. The decrease in carpal height index and comminution of the third metacarpal base lead to dilemma between conservative treatment and surgical management of this particular injury. The surgical management was chosen to maintain the carpal height index of the wrist to prevent the late degenerative changes.The patient was applied with external fixator in distraction mode expanning the wrist joint for six weeks, and the wrist was mobilised after removal of the fixator. It is shown that the external fixator in distraction mode expanning the wrist joint is a good alternative method for treatment of capitate fracture.
Carpal Bones ; External Fixators ; Fracture Fixation ; Fractures, Comminuted ; surgery ; Humans ; Metacarpal Bones ; Wrist Joint