Objective To measure the bone mineral density on hand radiographs at the midpoint of the second metacarpal on right hand(mBMD) and metacarpal cortical index(MCI).To estimate the correlation of mBMD and MCI with bone mineral density assessed by a variety of technique at different sites.Methods We measured mBMD and MCI in 178 femeal osteoporosis patients.Results Mean mBMD and MCI were significantly lower in the patients with vertebral deformity compared to those without vertebral deformity.Both mBMD and MCI positive significantly correlated with distal forearm BMD,tibial ultrasound velocity and hip BMD and negative significantly correlated with age.Conclusion mBMD and MCI are sensitive to bone mass change in skeletal status.It can predict future fracture.