Jerrold M. Nagy

Metacarpophalangeal Pattern Profiles in the Evaluation of Skeletal Malformations

Metacarpophalangeal pattern profile analysis is a graphic method of depicting lengthening and shortening of the tubular bones of the hand and their relationship to one another. The lengths of the tubular bones are plotted in terms of standard deviation units. These data are derived from simple measurements from hand radiographs and related to age and sex norms. Comparison of these patterns is a more sensitive index for detecting similarity of hand radiographs than is simple inspection of the radiograph. Since many congenital malformations have characteristic metacarpophalangeal pattern profiles, the method can be useful in the diagnosis and definition of these conditions.

Metacarpophalangeal Length in the Evaluation of Skeletal Malformation

Standards are presented for metacarpal and phalangeal lengths by row and ray (or digit) for 19 tubular bones of the hand, for both sexes separately from infancy through adulthood along with measurements of variability. Information on the 684 means and standard deviations is presented in relation to the relative size of bones within a row, and a comparison of the variabilities of males and females is discussed. The use of bone lengths in hand syndromes of chromosomal, genetic, and endocrine origin are described.

Bone Measurement in the Differential Diagnosis of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

Increased or decreased bone formation and bone loss, resulting in the clinical appearance of deficient bone or reduced bone tissue, may be indicated by measurements of (a) total tubular bone width, (b) medullary cavity width, (c) cortical thickness, (d) cortical area, and (e) per cent cortical area. Such measurements are more useful than the general terms “osteopenia” and “osteoporosis.”

Relative Magnitudes of Crown Size Reduction and Body Size Reduction in 47-Trisomy G

Since crown size reduction has been observed in 47-trisomy G (M. M. COHEN and R. A. WINER, J Dent Res 44:197-208, 1965; M. M. COHEN, S. M. GARN, and M. A. GECIAUSKAS, J Dent Res 49:460, 1970) with delayed tooth formation timing (S. M. GARN, C. W. STIMSON, and A. B. LEWIS, J Dent Res 49:640, 1970), it is useful to compare the magnitude of crown size reduction with the magnitude of body size reduction characteristic of individuals with trisomy G (Downs syndrome) in general. Mesiodistal crown size data from 74 verified instances of 47-trisomy G (Walter E. Fernald State School, Waverley, Mass, USA) indicate