Anthropometric Characteristics of Metacarpal Bones in the Mexican Population: A Retrospective Analysis

TL;DR

This study analyzed metacarpal bone measurements in a Mexican population to understand variations and their implications for surgical procedures.

Contribution

The study provides new anthropometric data on metacarpal bones specific to the Mexican population.

Findings

Men generally had larger metacarpal bone dimensions than women, except for the third metacarpal.

No statistically significant differences in metacarpal measurements were found between sexes.

Data distributions were non-normal, suggesting the need for larger and more diverse samples in future research.

Abstract

Introduction: In Mexico, there is limited evidence regarding the anthropometric characteristics of metacarpal bones in the Mexican population. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for improving surgical interventions and ensuring optimal hand functionality. Metacarpal bones exhibit variations in length and width based on sex and geographic region of origin or residence. This study aims to describe the anthropometric characteristics of metacarpal bones in Mexican patients.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to June 30, 2019. The dimensions of the metacarpal bones (axial length, proximal epiphysis width, distal epiphysis width, and diaphysis width) were measured using the Synapse Mobility Login system (Fujifilm Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan). Patient age and sex were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

Results: A total of 400 cases were included, comprising 215 men (49.5 ± 15.86 years) and 185 women (53.2 ± 14.36 years). Overall, men exhibited larger dimensions across all five metacarpal bones, particularly in proximal epiphysis width and axial length, except for the third metacarpal. Normality tests (Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov) indicated non-normal distributions for all measurements. Non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon W) revealed no statistically significant differences between sexes.

Conclusion: No significant differences in mean metacarpal measurements were found between the sexes. The lack of normal data distribution and statistical significance underscores the need to expand measurements to other hand bone structures and include more representative samples to enhance the accuracy of future studies.