3rd Metacarpal Bones Research Articles

Effect of dietary calcium and vitamin D supplements on plasma bone turnover biomarkers, bone mineralization, bone strength, and lameness score in gilts.

This study investigated the impact of calcium (Ca) and vitamin D supplements on bone metabolism, bone measurement, lameness, and selection rate in gilts fed five dietary treatments. Two Ca levels (6.85/6.42 [adequate; ACa] or 8.99/8.56 [high; HCa] g/kg) were combined with either 856 IU/kg vitamin D3 (Danish feeding standards; adequate; AD3) or 50 μg/kg 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (high; HHyD) to create ACaAD3, HCaAD3, ACaHHyD, and HCaHHyD diets. The values 6.85/6.42 and 8.99/8.56g/kg correspond to adequate and high Ca supply for gilts weighing 32 to 100 and 100 to 180kg body weight (BW), respectively. The fifth diet was a combination of HCa and 2,000 IU/kg vitamin D3 (high; HD3) to create HCaHD3. Two hundred gilts were phase fed the dietary treatments from 32 to 100 and 100 to 180kg BW until they were slaughtered, either at 100 or 180kg BW. The gilts were weighed fortnightly, and plasma and urine samples were collected at 100 and 180kg BW. At slaughter, the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones were collected for bone parameters measurements. Lameness and selection rate were assessed within the last 7 d at 100 and 180kg BW. Dietary treatments did not affect gilts' growth performance and plasma concentration of Ca, but urinary concentration of Ca was greater in HCa-supplemented gilts at both 100 (P = 0.003) and 180 (P = 0.05) kg BW. Plasma concentration of vitamin D3 (P < 0.001) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (P < 0.001) showed dose-dependent responses at both 100 and 180kg BW. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase was greater (P = 0.02) in the plasma sample collected at 180kg BW in gilts fed the HCaHD3 diet and tended to be greater in gilts fed the ACaAD3 diet (P = 0.06). The bone ash content (P = 0.02) was greater in gilts fed the HCaAD3 diet and slaughtered at 100kg BW compared with gilts fed the ACaAD3 and ACaHHyD diets. However, bone weight, length, thickness, dry matter, and mineral content did not differ among the dietary treatments at both 100 and 180kg BW (P > 0.05). Neither lameness nor selection rate was affected by the dietary treatments. The average daily gain of gilts weighing 32 to 100 and 100 to 180kg BW showed a positive correlation with bone strength (r = 0.37; P < 0.001) and bone ash content (r = 0.24; P = 0.02), respectively. In conclusion, higher Ca and vitamin D3 supplementation slightly increased bone ash content but had no effect on lameness or selection rate of the gilts compared to those fed according to the Danish nutrient standards.

Markers of bone turnover and biomechanical properties of the third metacarpal bone of growing pigs subjected to the different dietary phosphorus and calcium content

Abstract Eighteen weaned piglets were subjected to deficiency, adequate or excess of dietary phosphorus and calcium (group C−50, C and C+50, respectively) during growth from 33 to 110 day of age. However, the ratio of calcium/digestible phosphorus in all feeds was the same and consistent with the nutritional recommendation. Performance, bone growth, concentration of osteocalcin (OC) and carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), densitometry, geometry and mechanical properties of the 3rd metacarpal bone were measured. Growth rate and final body weight did not differ between C and C+50 animals, however, they grew approximately 5.9% faster and were heavier by about 4.0% than C−50 pigs. In turn, mass and length of bones were similar in C−50 and C+50 groups, however, they were approximately 11% lighter and 4% shorter compared to C pigs. Serum content of OC took the following order: C−50 &lt; C &lt; C+50 group (P&lt;0.01). Content of CTX-I did not differ between C and C+50 animals, however they were lower by 36% (P&lt;0.01) than in the C−50 pigs. All measured geometry parameters (cortical wall thickness, cross section area and cortical index) did not differ between C and C+50 pigs and were higher than in C−50 pigs (P&lt;0.01). Bones of C−50 pigs contained less minerals than bones of the C and C+50 pigs (5.24 g vs mean 6.14 g, P&lt;0.01). The 3rd metacarpal bone mineral density (g/cm2) was the lowest in pigs in group C−50, higher in pigs in group C, and the highest in animals in group C+50 (0.398, 0.431 and 0.475, respectively, P&lt;0.01). Maximum strength of bones was similar in the C and C+50 pigs, however it was 13% greater (P&lt;0.01) compared to C−50 animals. In turn, elastic strength and elastic deflection did not differ between the C and C−50 animals and were over 20% lower (P&lt;0.01) than in the C+50 pigs. Whereas, there was no significant difference between groups in bone stiffness (mean 27.13 mm). The results of the present study proved that even a strong excess of phosphorus and calcium content in the diet for growing pigs is inadvisable and does not improve performance and bones parameters. While excessively lowering the dietary phosphorus and calcium concentration (e.g. to reduce environmental pollution) may adversely affect growth rate and bone characteristics.

Anatomical study of the 3rd metacarpal bone of some mammals

Anatomical study of the 3rd metacarpal bone of some mammals

Anatomical study of the 3rd metacarpal bone of some mammals

The current study included the anatomical structure of the metatarsal bone in sheep in terms of the traditional structural description of the bone, as it was found that the metatarsal bone in the fore and hind limbs of adult sheep had no visible differences between it and animals, especially ruminants. The metacarpal \tarsal bone No. 3 was cylindrical in shape, with the presence of the metacarpal \tarsal bones 2 and 4 declines, articulated from the proximal end with the metacarpal and metatarsal bones whereas from the distal part with the fetlock joint and the first phalanx bone. The aim of the study is to determine whether the environment and its changes in Iraq have affected the animals and their bones in terms of length, thickness, and hardness.

Intramuscular Neural Distribution of Adductor Pollicis Muscle Spasticity in Cadaver Model Regarding Botulinum Neurotoxin Treatment.

The adductor pollicis muscle is frequently targeted for botulinum neurotoxin injective treatment for spasticity. However, there are no injective guidelines for delivering injection to the muscle. A method known as the modified Sihler's method was used to stain the adductor pollicis muscle in 16 specimens to reveal intramuscular neural distribution of the muscle. The most intramuscular neural distribution was located on 1/5 to 3/5 of the muscle regarding midline of 3rd metacarpal bone (0) to the base of the 1st proximal phalanx (5/5). The nerve entry point was mostly located on 0 to 1/5 of the muscle. The result suggests that botulinum neurotoxin should be delivered at the middle of second metacarpal bone via deep injection.

Comparison of screw implantation parameters between two approaches in capitolunate arthrodesis: an imaging analysis based on CT of the normal wrist

To compare the parameters of screw implantation in capitolunate arthrodesis between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones and via the distal dorsal capitate bone approach based on CT images of the normal wrist, and provide reference for the selection of surgical approaches and planning of screw insertion trajectory. CT data of 50 patients who met the criteria between February 2022 and April 2022 were selected as the study objects. There were 30 males and 20 females, and the age ranged from 18 to 69 years (mean, 37 years). The normal wrist alignment was conformed in all CT images. All CT data from the unilateral wrist of the patients was imported into Mimics Medical 20.0 software to construct a three-dimensional plane model, in which a virtual 3.5 mm screw was implanted between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones and via the distal dorsal capitate bone approach. The angle between screw and coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes, the total length of the screw, the length of the screw in the lunate bone and the capitate bone were measured. The ratios of the length of the screw in capitate bone to the length of the long axis of the capitate bone, the length of the screw in lunate bone to the length of the long axis of the lunate bone, and the length of screw in lunate bone to the length of the screw in capitate bone were calculated. Assuming that the result of screw implantation between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones was better than that via the distal dorsal capitate bone approach, the difference in length of the screw in the lunate bone between the two approaches was calculated, and the superiority test was performed. Compared with the distal dorsal capitate bone approach, the total length of the screw increased, the length of the screw in the capitate bone decreased, and the length of the screw in the lunate bone increased, the angle between the screw and coronal plane decreased, the angles between screw and sagittal, transverse planes increased after the screw was implanted between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones. And the ratio of the length of the screw in capitate bone to the length of the long axis of capitate bone decreased, the ratio of the length of the screw in lunate bone to the length of the long axis of lunate bone increased, and the ratio of the length of the screw in lunate bone to the length of the screw in capitate bone also increased. All the differences were significant ( P<0.05). The difference in the length of the screw in the lunate bone between the two approaches was 1.86 mm [95% CI (1.54, 2.18) mm], which was greater than the superiority margin (1.35 mm). The superiority hypothesis was supported. Compared with the distal dorsal capitate bone approach, the screws implanted between the the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones in the capitolunate arthrodesis are longer in lunate bone and more vertical to the articular surface of the capitolunate joint. Theoretically, the capitolunate joint are more firmly fixed.

Morphological Studies on the Metacarpals of Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)

Background: The fore and hind limbs of the elephant are arranged in an almost vertical position under the body, similar to a pillar or leg of a table rather than being in the angular position seen in many other quadruped mammals to support great weight. The aim of this study was to elucidate the morphological and morphometrical outline on the metacarpals in Elephants, thereby making more contribution in filling the gap of knowledge and skills framework in this field. Methods: For the present study, the material from three Indian elephants were used. Some of the specimens were available at the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Mhow. Few skeletons were dug out from the ground which were buried from the last 5-10 years in the premises of college. Result: There were five metacarpal bones lying between the carpal bones (above) and the digits (below). Metacarpals were long bones and each metacarpal consisted of a shaft and two extremities i.e., proximal and distal extremely. The 3rd metacarpal bone was the longest and well developed, while the 2nd and 4th metacarpals were almost equal in length and slightly shorter than the 3rd one.

Individualized herbal prescriptions for delayed union: A case series

Background Bone fractures are important clinical events for both patients and professionals. Active treatment options are limited for delayed unions and for nonunions; surgery is common but not entirely risk-free. This report describes three cases of delayed union successfully treated with herbal decoction.Participants Three patients had trapezoid and 3rd metacarpal bone fractures, 2nd, and 5th metatarsal bone fractures, respectively. All three patients were diagnosed with delayed union by an independent orthopedic surgeon based on computed tomography (CT) scan/radiographic imaging and fracture duration without a healing process. Patients took herbal decoction, Jeopgol-tang, with individually added herbs based on symptom manifestations, twice daily for 56, 85 and 91 days with no additional interventions except for a splint that they had been wearing since fracture diagnosis.Outcomes Improvement of delayed union was evaluated using radiographic imaging or CT during treatment with Jeopgol-tang.Results After taking herbal medicine, callus and bony bridging were confirmed on follow-up imagings and the patients described their experience with pain reduction at an interview after recovery.Conclusions This case series suggests that the herbal decoction Jeopgol-tang warrants further investigation to establish its role as a complementary and integrative medicine treatment option for delayed unions.

Mechanical Evaluation of Two Hybrid Locking Plate Designs for Canine Pancarpal Arthrodesis.

Hybrid locking pancarpal arthrodesis plates were designed with either a round (RH) or an oval (OH) radiocarpal hole, the latter allowing varied screw positioning. Due to concerns about potential decreased structural properties of the OH design, our aim was to compare the mechanical behavior of the contrasting plates using combined finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanical testing. Pancarpal arthrodesis plates with RH or OH design were assigned to three fixation techniques (n = 6), prebent at 20°, and fixed to canine forelimb models with simulated radius and radiocarpal and 3rd metacarpal bones. OH plates were instrumented with a radiocarpal screw inserted either most proximal (OH-P) or most distal (OH-D). Specimens were axially loaded to 300 N over 10 ramped cycles at 0.5 Hz. Plate strains were measured with strain gauges placed at areas of highest deformations as predicted by FEA under identical loading conditions. FEA predicted the highest strains (μm/m) adjacent to the radiocarpal hole (2,500 [RH], 2,900 [OH-P/OH-D]) and plate bending point (2,250 [RH], 1,900 [OH-P/OH-D]). Experimentally, peak radiocarpal hole strains were not influenced by the OH screw position (3,329 ± 443 [OH-P], 3,222 ± 467 [OH-D]; P = 0.550) but were significantly higher compared to the RH design (2,123 ± 154; P < 0.001). Peak strains at the bending point were significantly lower for OH-P (1,792 ± 174) and OH-D (1,806 ± 194) versus RH configurations (2,158 ± 114) (P ≤ 0.006). OH plates demonstrated highest peak strains next to the radiocarpal hole and were associated with more heterogenous plate strain distribution. Structural weakening associated with radiocarpal OH plate design could result in decreased fixation strength and increased risk of plate fatigue failure.

Case Report : Multiple Stress Fractures (hamate, triquetrum, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Metacarpal bones) in an Amateur Tennis Player

Background: upper extremity stress fractures are infrequent events in tennis sport. According to our literature, we have only identified 6 case reports of upper limb stress fractures among amateur or professional tennis players. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case report where stress fractures occur in: hamate, triquetrum, 2nd, 4th, and 5th metacarpal bones simultaneously. &#x0D; Case presentation: 27 years old lady, presented with acute burning pain at the base of her right thumb. There was not a history of direct trauma. Her symptoms start to appear after 3 days of playing tennis. Physical examination was negative for tenderness, swelling and erythema. The rheumatoid factor was elevated (20.3 iu/ml). the diagnosis of multiple stress fractures was made by the suggestive MRI findings. &#x0D; Conclusion: Although stress fractures of the upper limbs are not common, it is of a great value to keep the clinical suspicion high towards it. Especially in amateur or professional athletes with persistent or worsening symptoms. The best modality to confirm such fractures is MRI.

Reconstruction osseuse métacarpienne par membrane induite sans ciment

Hand ballistics traumas often produce complex limb injuries and large segmental bone defects. The induced membrane (IM) technique is a simple and effective procedure for reconstruction of segmental bone defects. Usually polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement is required for the first stage of the surgery. We describe four metacarpal bone reconstructions with the IM technique but without PMMA cement after ballistic trauma in a low-resources setting. Two patients were treated in a forward surgical unit for gunshot wounds of the hand. A 33 years old man presented a 4th and 5th metarcarpal bone fracture with critical bone defect and a 25 years old man presented a 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bone and soft tissue defect. In addition to the surgical initial management, we performed the IM technique with a syringe's body in polypropylene (PP) instead of PMMA cement that was not available in this situation. A thick membrane was observable six weeks after the spacer implantation. We performed the bone graft in one case with an iliac crest and in the other with a tibial cortical and cancelous graft. Bone union was achieved in the two cases for the four metacarpal bones. We report cases treated in an austere environment where PMMA cement was not available. This PP induced membrane technique as first been described in a public communication at the SICOT congress by Mozumder et al. It involved critical bone defects from the lower limb. The IM technique has proven its efficiency in hand and wrist bone defect reconstruction but its success is based on strict compliance with technical execution. Our plastic spacers met the requirements of surgical technique. After six weeks, an IM membrane macroscopically similar to cement's IM was found in all cases. The PP spacer shows interesting characteristics: it does not contain antibiotics, it does not heat the surrounding tissues and it is not expensive and easily available. The use of a PP spacer allowed us to achieve bone union in four critical metacarpal bone defects related to ballistic trauma. This procedure respects the technical execution of the IM technique. It is achievable in very low-resources settings. Further biomolecular studies are necessary to assess the PP IM biological properties.

Morphological Variations of an Atypical Cleft Hand: A Cadaveric Case Report

AbstractCleft hand is a group of hand deformities in which the central digits of the hand are congenitally absent. The soft tissue variations of cleft hand are rarely described. Hence, we report the anatomic variants of a unilateral atypical cleft hand with the absence of all of the phalanges of the middle finger. The 2nd and 3rd lumbricals showed a variation in their distal attachment. Both the superficial and deep flexor digital tendons of the missing middle finger were fused and inserted into the palmar surface of the head of the 3rd metacarpal bone. The extensor digitorum tendon of the missing finger was inserted on the dorsal surface of the head of the 3rd metacarpal bone. The palmar digital nerves of the median nerve of the middle finger formed 2 visible fibrotic masses; radial and ulnar, over the base of the 2nd web space. Of these, the radial mass was formed by the fusion of both palmar digital nerves and the common palmar digital artery. The knowledge of soft tissue abnormalities reported here is clinically important to plastic surgeons while restoring the good grasp and pinch of the cleft hand. The occurrence of fibrotic masses reported in the present case is unique, and these masses may cause diagnostic errors during an angiographic procedure.

One-Stage Rehabilitation of The Brush in Osteoblestklistoma Iii Metacarpal Bone Right Hand

The article describes the case of successful single-stage substitution of sub-total defect III metacarpal bone graft III metatarsal bone after radical sub-total resection of the affected area Distal part of the 3rd metacarpal bone, due to osteoblastristoma.

Scapho-Capitate Ratio for Estimation of Scaphoid Length.

Background: The failure of scaphoid reconstruction by restoring both length and shape may lead to carpal mal-alignment and progressive degenerative arthritis. The aim of our study is to find a reliable method to find out the scaphoid length without measuring the contralateral scaphoid. Methods: Three X-ray wrist views were collected for 51 patients without any signs suggesting any hand and wrist fractures. The scaphoid, capitate and 3rd metacarpal bone axes lengths and carpal height were measured by 4 hand surgeons separately. Results: The scapho-capitate ratio was 1.1 ± 0.084, 1.01 ± 0.084 and 0.92 ± 0.109 for lateral, postero-anterior with ulnar deviation and postero-anterior view respectively. The ulnar deviation view had the highest reliability. Conclusions: Scapho-capitate ratio estimation is an easy and accurate measure of normal scaphoid length in situations when the scaphoid is short. It is helpful for the estimation of the size of the bone graft that need for reconstruction of the scaphoid.

MRI of a painful carpal boss: variations at the extensor carpi radialis brevis insertion and imaging findings in regional traumatic and overuse injuries

ObjectiveTo report patterns of MRI findings involving carpal boss and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon insertion in individuals with overuse-related or post-traumatic wrist pain.Materials and MethodsEighty-four MRI cases with carpal bossing between December 2006 and June 2015 were analyzed by two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. The following MRI findings were reviewed: type of carpal bossing (bony prominence, partial coalition, os styloideum), insertion of ECRB tendon (to the 3rd metacarpal, to carpal boss or to both), bone marrow edema (BME), insertion site, and tenosynovitis/tendinosis of ECRB tendon. Clinical information on wrist pain was available on 68 patients.ResultsFused carpal bossing was detected in 21%, partial coalition in 35%, and os styloideum in 44% of the cases. Regional BME was observed in 64% of the cases. When BME specifically at the carpal boss was assessed, 78% of stable and 50% of unstable bosses showed BME (p = 0.035). ECRB tendon inserted on a carpal boss in 20%, on the 3rd metacarpal bone in 35%, and on both sites in 45% of the cases. As BME at the carpal boss was assessed, BME was detected at the respective insertion sites in 71%, 35%, and 66% of the cases (p = 0.015). Dorsal wrist pain was associated with BME as 75% of the patients had regional BME in the vicinity of the carpal boss (p = 0.006).ConclusionA spectrum ranging from complete fusion of a boss to an entirely unfused os styloideum exists with a variable ECRB insertional anatomy. BME at the carpal boss is a consistent MRI finding.

Lateral manus translation for limb-sparing surgery in 18 dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma in dogs.

To describe and report outcomes after lateral translation of the manus for limb-sparing management of distal radial osteosarcoma in dogs. Retrospective case series. Eighteen client-owned dogs. The distal aspect of the affected radius and associated neoplastic tissues were excised. The distal aspect of the ulna was preserved except for its medial cortex, which was removed en bloc with the radial segment. The manus was translated laterally to place the radial carpal bone in contact with the distal aspect of the ulna. A limb-sparing or locking compression plate was placed on the remaining proximal radius and the 3rd metacarpal bone. A 3.5-mm SOP (string of pearls) plate was placed on the lateral aspect of the proximal ulna and the 4th metacarpal bone. Dogs were administered chemotherapy. Data were collected to assess surgical and oncologic outcomes. Limb function was subjectively assessed. The percentage of radius removed ranged from 43% to 94% (median 54%). Complications developed in 12 limbs, with infection in 10, biomechanical complications in 6, and local recurrence in 4. Limb function was subjectively assessed as acceptable. Median disease-free interval was 219 days, and median survival time was 370 days. Outcomes after lateral translation of the manus compared favorably to other limb-sparing techniques for dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma, particularly in dogs requiring excision of a large segment of the radius. The lateral manus translation provides an alternative limb-sparing technique that does not require an allograft, endoprosthesis, or autograft.

Pancarpal Arthrodesis Without Rigid Coaptation Using the Hybrid Dynamic Compression Plate in Dogs.

To describe the complications, short- and long-term outcomes, and owner satisfaction for dogs treated with pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) using the 2.7/3.5 mm locking and dynamic compression plate (DCP) hybrid pancarpal arthrodesis plate (hybrid DCP [HDCP]) without rigid coaptation in the postoperative period. Retrospective case series. Dogs with carpal injuries requiring PCA (n=15). Records (May 2007-October 2013) of dogs that had PCA using 3.5/2.7 mm HDCP (1 or 2 plates) and a Robert-Jones bandage were reviewed to determine intra- and post-operative complications and overall limb function. Follow-up was obtained by clinical evaluation at our institution and telephone interview of owners. Fourteen dogs had PCA stabilized with a single HDCP and 1 giant breed dog had PCA stabilized with 2 HDCP on the dorsal aspect of the carpus secured onto the 3rd and 4th metacarpal bones. Two dogs presented with bilateral injuries. Thirteen owners (87%) judged the results of surgery as excellent and 2 (13%) judged the results of surgery as good. Minor complications (4 limbs; 23%) were occasional episodes of mild lameness in 3 dogs and 3 episodes of discharging sinus tracts in a single dog. Major complications (3 limbs; 17%) included 1 surgical site infection and implant failure in a 43 kg dog with an active leishmaniasis infection and a concurrent bilateral sacro-iliac luxation. Two dogs developed episodes of discharging sinus tract and pain over the most distal screw that eventually necessitated plate removal. PCA without rigid coaptation can successfully be performed using the HDCP.

Syndactyly and polydactyly in a mixed-breed dog

Polydactyly is the congenital presence of one or more extra digits. The extra digit often does not contain a full complement of bones. Unilateral syndactyly and polydactyl mixed-breed dog was used as a case study. A three-month old unvaccinated intact female mixed breed dog weighing 8 kg, presented with a deformity of the left forepaw was used for this study. The deformity had been present since birth according to the owner. During physical examination the dog was given a lameness score of 0/5 for the affected limb. A complete blood count, and serum biochemistry did not reveal any abnormalities. Radiographs of both distal forelimbs were obtained. These showed Fused 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones, a rudimentary metacarpi and a hypoplastic digit located on the axial side of the distal end of the left forelimb. As a result of the lameness score of 0/5 and the owner’s lack of interest, a decision was made to monitor the condition and consider surgery once the dog had grown larger. It seems this is the first case of polydactyly associated with syndactyly and the rudimentary metacarpal bone.

The Ossification of the Pelvic Girdle and Leg Skeleton of the Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The onset of ossification centres of the pelvic girdle and leg skeleton of the quail in embryos and juvenile birds were studied. Specimens, which were cleared and were stained with Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red S, were examined at the stereomicroscope. The ilium and the pubis began to ossify at the 8th day (E8), whereas the ischium at E9. Perichondral ossification was observed at E6 in the femur, tibia and fibula. A secondary ossification centre was detected in the proximal epiphysis of the tibiotarsus at the 15th post-hatching day (P15). The patella began to ossify at P30. Regarding the tarsal bones tibiale, pre-tibiale and fibulare, ossification was observed at the E15, E12 and E16, respectively. The metatarsals II, III, IV ossified at E7, whereas the metatarsal I at E11. The centres of ossification of the 1st phalanges of all digits were observed at E9. At the same day, the ossification centres of the 2nd phalanx of digits II and III as well as the 3rd phalanx of digit III appeared. At E10, ossification was observed in the 2nd phalanx of digit I, in the 3rd phalanx of digit II and in the 2nd and 3rd phalanx of digit IV. In the 4th phalanx of digit III and in the terminal phalanges of digit IV, ossification was observed at E11. The data presented here provide useful baseline information on the normal sequential pattern of ossification in the pelvic girdle and leg skeleton in this species.

The rare aggressive osteoblastoma in a two year old child in an unusual localization

A rare bone tumor of 3rd metacarpal bone in a male child aged 2 years is being described. The patent presented with a gradually increasing, painful swelling over the dorsum of right hand which radiologically revealed an expansile, radioluscent mass, in 3rd metacarpal shaft with cortical destruction. The clinic-radiological differential diagnosis was aggressive cartilage tumor or an osteomyelitis. Histological examination of surgical biopsy material revealed randomly arranged woven bone lined by epithelioid osteoblast and after correlating the clinic-radiological features the diagnosis was an aggressive osteoblastoma. Appropriate diagnosis of such a rare tumor in an unusual location and age group facilitate adequate management by surgery alone without radiotherapy or chemotherapy.