Metacarpal Length Research Articles

Beware the Boxer's Fracture Imposter: Where Does the Metaphysis End and the Diaphysis Begin?

Introduction: Fractures of the fifth metacarpal are a common injury. In children, they are often stable and heal uneventfully, including after closed reduction. Fractures of the metacarpal diaphysis, conversely, tend to be unstable and may require surgical intervention. It is unclear at what point fractures of the fifth metacarpal fracture should be considered unstable. We identify the location at which a fifth metacarpal fracture is at risk for surgical intervention. Methods: A two-year retrospective cohort analysis of all children (age ≤18) with fifth metacarpal fractures presenting to a Pediatric Plastic Surgery clinic was performed. Clinical and radiographical data were acquired from electronic medical records. Fracture location and fracture angulation were measured, descriptive statistics were performed, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors for surgery. Results: Ninety-eight patients met criteria for review. Mean patient age was 14.0 years (SD 2.2), and 95% were male. Forty-two (44.2%) patients underwent closed reduction, and 12 (12.2%) patients were recommended for surgery. Increased fracture angulation on initial lateral radiograph (OR: 1.08 (1.03-1.14 95% CI), p = 0.006) and more proximal fractures (OR: 0.92 (0.86-0.98 95% CI), p = 0.008) were identified as independent predictors for surgery. Fractures occurring proximal to 70% of metacarpal length resulted in accurate detection of those requiring surgery with 72.4% sensitivity, 75.3% specificity, 95.5% and 27.6% negative and positive predictive value, respectively. Conclusions: In pediatric fifth metacarpal fractures, increased fracture angulation and those occurring proximal to 70% of the metacarpal length were independent predictors for surgery.

Correction of Congenital Ring-Little Finger Metacarpal Synostosis Through Simultaneous Interpositional Allograft Bone After Split Osteotomy of the Synostosis Site and Distraction Lengthening of the Fifth Metacarpal

We attempted a technique for patients with congenital ring-little finger metacarpal synostosis involving simultaneous interpositional allograft bone after split osteotomy of the synostosis site and distraction lengthening of the fifth metacarpal along with correction of the metacarpal joint abduction contracture. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical technique and its outcomes. We reviewed the medical records of children with congenital ring-little finger metacarpal synostosis treated surgically at our institute. Eight hands of six children with an average age of 5.0 (range, 1.7-9.3) years were treated by simultaneous interpositional allograft bone after split osteotomy, distraction lengthening, and tenotomy of abductor digiti minimi. We measured the metacarpal head-to-capitate area ratios from serial radiographs and analyzed them according to age. We also measured the change in the intermetacarpal angle (IMA) and metacarpal length ratio during an average of 8.1 (range, 1.4-16.8) years of follow-up. These changes were compared with changes in seven hands of five children with an average age of 8.1 (range, 1.5-15.6) years treated by the same method, but without a distraction lengthening of the fifth metacarpal and followed up for an of average 12.1 (range, 4.1-19.8) years, as a control group. Abnormal metacarpal head-to-capitate area ratio before surgery was normalized in all patients within the first 2 years after surgery. The IMA change averaged 39.8°, and the metacarpal length ratio changed by 17%. The control group showed an average IMA change of 36.6° and metacarpal length ratio change of 6%. Simultaneous interpositional allograft bone after split osteotomy of the synostosis site and distraction lengthening of the fifth metacarpal with correction of metacarpal joint abduction contracture can restore the radiographic parameters in congenital ring-little finger metacarpal synostosis. The normalized ossification of the fifth metacarpal head indicates that the surgical procedure is probably safe. Therapeutic V.

Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Kinematics and Elongation of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament

The purpose of the study was to determine if the sphericity of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint influences the joint's rotational axis (RA) and elongation patterns of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Ulnar collateral ligament origins and attachments of 28 fresh-frozen cadaveric thumbs were marked with a radiopaque marker. Lateral radiographs were obtained in neutral and 20°, 40°, and 60° of flexion. The dorsal and palmar joint gap and the length of four different UCL portions were digitally measured in all flexion states. The RA was determined by the intersection of the midshaft axis of the proximal phalanx in neutral and flexion states. Sphericity of the MCP joint was assessed using morphometric parameters. Joints were grouped as round or flat. Differences in all measured parameters between groups were analyzed. During flexion, the dorsal joint gap increased by 322% in flat joints and 163% in round joints. The palmar joint gap decreased to 45% in flat joints and to 87% in round joints. The RA was at 29% of metacarpal height and 96% of metacarpal length in flat joints and at 40% of height and 86% of length in round joints. Maximum UCL elongation (111%) was noted at 40° flexion in the dorsal proper UCL in flat joints and at 60° flexion in the accessory UCL (117%) in round joints. In flat MCP joints, the RA is more dorsal and distal in the metacarpal head compared to round joints, resulting in a hinged flexion motion. Elongation of the UCL is highest at end flexion in round joints and highest at midflexion in flat joints. The different kinematics of flat and round MCP joints may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of UCL ruptures. The propensity of this injury and the position in which they occur may be affected by the MCP joint morphology.

Radiographic joint space width in individuals with hand osteoarthritis: Are their “healthy” joints really healthy?

We aimed to investigate the systemic nature of hand osteoarthritis (OA). We hypothesized that people who suffer from hand OA will display narrower radiographic joint space width (JSW) - not only in joints with apparent radiographic OA but also in their unaffected "healthy" joints. We examined 3394 participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) with available dominant hand radiographs at baseline. Cases were defined as having interphalangeal OA (IPOA) based on a Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) score of ≥2 in two or more finger joints, whereas controls did not have IPOA. We used custom software to make JSW measurements of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints in fingers 2-5 per hand. In joint-level analyses, we included only KL score = 0, allowing us to compare all joints without IPOA in cases and controls. We used generalized estimating equation (GEE) models to compare JSW between both groups, adjusted for age, gender, metacarpal length, and joint type. Finger joints without radiographic OA had significantly narrower JSW in the IPOA group compared to finger joints in the control group (p<0.001). The differences were significant across all joint types and for both total JSW measurements as well as for central and lateral sub-regions within each joint group (p<0.001). Unaffected finger joints in people with IPOA had narrower joint space than joints of healthy controls. This implies a systemic nature of hand OA, in which people may have a predisposition for general cartilage deterioration.

Peculiarities of growth and further productivity of purebred and crossbred cows

Use of genetic specifics of pure breeding in animal husbandry allows cross breeders to produce herds that are completely of high breeding value, and also improve genetic potential of the best breeds. A relevant issue is determining the efficiency of crossbreeding of dairy breeds by analyzing the growth intensity of young bovine cattle, their reproductive ability and dairy productivity. We performed an analysis of experimental studies of using effective methods of selection, carried out a theoretical analysis, formulated hypotheses, used genealogical, biometrical and statistical methods, and assessed the productive properties of animals. We determined that the heifers from cross of the Ukrainian Red-Spotted cows with the sires of the Montbeliard breed – compared with the heifers from the Holstein bulls – had higher growth intensity and greater live weight during all the age periods. From birth until the age of one year, the Ukrainian Black-Spotted dairy heifers from the Holstein and Norwegian Red sires had no significant difference in weight. The heifers that resulted from cross of the Montbeliard and Ukrainian Red-Spotted dairy breeds had advantages over the purebred animals during all age periods, namely in the measurements of chest width, hook bone width, chest girth, ring metacarpal length. Body measurements of the replacement heifers, derived from the Norwegian Red and Holstein sires, varied within insignificant ranges depending on genotype, without significant difference. The animals were compact and proportionate; having received sufficient and complete diets, they had satisfactory weight categories. We determined that increase of the age of first insemination and first pregnancy was followed by decrease in the dairy productivity of cows. It ranged 0.021 to 0.064 in the bred heifers of different genotypes and breeds. There was observed an insignificant direct relationship between the abovementioned factors and the contents of fat and protein in milk. The shares of influence of age when the animals were first inseminated on milk yield accounted for 7.1% to 11.4%, 5.4–6.9 on fat content in milk, and 8.0–12.2% on protein fraction in milk. Crossbreeding can efficiently decrease the percentage of complicated deliveries and stillbirth rate, which in turn decreases the expenses for treatment of consequences of difficult calving, including the risk of decline in milk productivity and longer calving interval. However, there should be a careful approach to the selection of a breed, sire (preferably, its evaluation should be taken into account according to calving ease, especially when using the Montbeliard breed) and analysis of dams that are to be crossed with. Upgrading by mating to the Montbeliard and Norwegian breeds resulted in the crossbred cows that produced the greatest profit due to their heightened productivity. We should note that the estimated prices of extra products per cow give us grounds to state a positive effect from crossbreeding with the Montbeliard and Norwegian Red breeds. The performed studies confirm the benefits of identifying the efficiency of crossbreeding dairy breeds by an analysis of growth intensity of young bovine cattle.

Online software Boneureka assessing bone age based on metacarpal length in healthy children: proof-of-concept study.

Bone age in children is mainly assessed using the Greulich and Pyle (GP) atlas, a validated method with limited interobserver accuracy. While automated methods increase interobserver accuracy, they represent considerable costs and technical requirements. A proof-of-concept study to create and evaluate an onlinesoftwareprogram, Boneureka©, based on linear metacarpal length measurements, to assess bone age in healthy children. The study retrospectively included 434 consecutive children (215 girls) who underwent a left-hand radiograph to rule out trauma between March 2008 and December 2017. Two reviewers measured the second to fourth metacarpal lengths on each radiograph and the distance between the centre of the epiphyses of the second and fifth metacarpals. A single reviewer estimated the bone age using the GP atlas. The automated software assessed the bone age for all radiographs. A mathematical model was developed based on linear regressions to provide the mean bone age and standard deviation based on the estimates. Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to evaluate the correlation and agreement between the estimated bone ages using Boneureka©, the GP atlas and BoneXpert® compared to chronological age. The measure that showed the highest correlation (r2=0.877 for girls and r2=0.834 for boys; P<.001) and the highest ICC (ICC=0.937 for girls and ICC=0.926 for boys; P<0.001) with chronological age was length of the second metacarpal. TheGP atlas and the automated software evaluation had excellent ICC with chronological age (ICC>0.95 for both methods and sexes). Using this data, we created an online software programbased on the second metacarpal length to obtain bone age estimates, means and standard deviations. The newly createdonline software Boneureka,©based on the second metacarpal length, is a reliable and user-friendly tool to assess bone age in healthy children. Further studies on a larger population should be performed to validate thedeveloped reference values.

Human thumb consists of three phalanges and lacks metacarpal? A morphometric study on the long bones of the hand.

For many years, it was thought that the thumb consists of just two phalanges that differentiate it from the other four medial triphalangeal fingers. But there are some old reports that few former scientists believed the thumb has three phalanges and it lacked a metacarpal, and the thumb metacarpal is a phalanx. So this anthropometric study was carried out by investigating the morphology of the long bones of the hand and correlations between the thumb metacarpal and other miniature long bones of the hand. We studied anterior-posterior X-ray images of the right hands of 80 individuals from 18 to 65years old. The exploration targets were the length of all metacarpals (MC), proximal phalanges (PP), middle phalanges (MP), and distal phalanges (DP). Friedman Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance and Dunn's post hoc test were carried out to compare the means of all variables. The correlation between all quantitative factors was done by Spearman Rank Correlation (Spearman's Rho) coefficient. Our results showed that the length of the phalanges and the total length of the fingers are independent of the related metacarpal length (P < 0.001). Also, the thumb metacarpal length in comparison to all bones of the hand was significantly different from all long bones of the hand except the proximal phalanx of the middle finger (P = 1). Based on the morphology of the long bones of the hand and the high similarity between the thumb metacarpal and phalanges especially the proximal phalanx of the middle finger, it can be suggested that the current thumb metacarpal is a proximal phalanx of the thumb.

Range extension and species confirmation of Rhyneptesicus nasutus (Sind Serotine Bat) (Mammalia:Chiroptera) from Bajaur Agency, FATA, Pakistan.

The lack of morphological differentiation among chiropteran species and cryptic speciation impedes species identification. DNA-based approaches help species identification and contribute to the discovery of additional species. Rhyneptesicus nasutus (Sind Serotine Bat) is a rare and poorly studied species in Pakistan. This study explores the range extension of Sind Bat within the territorial limits of Pakistan from Sind and Baluchistan to Federally Administered Areas of Pakistan. No molecular record exists for the species in Pakistan. In the present study, we for the first time confirm species identification of Rhyneptesicus nasutus from Pakistan using a genetic marker (cytochrome b) along with morphometric analysis. A neighbor-joining tree based on Kimura-2 parameters was created to infer phylogenetic relationships. We sequenced the cytochrome b gene segment and conducted a phylogenetic analysis with previously published data from other countries. Sequences from Pakistan formed a clade with Iranian Rhyneptesicus nasutus specimens suggesting a common ancestry. Various morphometric parameters (mean values) were measured, including Head and Body length (44.3mm), Tail length (43.4mm), Hindfoot length (8.3mm), Forearm length (35.7mm), and Ear length 36mm while 5th Metacarpal Length, 4th Metacarpal Length, and 3rd Metacarpal Lengths were 33.2mm, 34.7mm, and 35.3mm. Approaches based on DNA barcoding reveal a high diversity of bat species in the study area. The data will enable researchers to build an improved evolutionary framework of the Serotine Bats from this region and subsequently reconstruct a detailed evolutionary history of the genus. Further research is required to test other molecular markers to support the findings of the current study in Pakistan.

Morphometrics of the indian false vampire bat (Megaderma lyra) from district Jhelum, Pakistan

During the present study thirteen Megaderma lyra bats were observed roosting in dark, domed shaped room of Rohtas Fort, district Jhelum. Out of these, six specimens were captured from the roosting site, using hand net. All captured specimens were male. These bats were identified through their unique facial features, an erect and elongated nose-leaf, large oval ears that joined above the forehead and no tail. Mean head and body length of captured specimens was 80 mm, forearm length was 67 mm while average lengths of 3rd, 4th and 5th metacarpals were 51.73 mm, 55.17 mm and 60.42 mm, respectively. Mean skull length was 29.84 mm, breadth of braincase was 12.77 mm. Average Penis length of two specimens was 6.6 mm and total bacular length was 3.08 mm respectively. This is the first record of Megaderma lyra from district Jhelum.

Ultrasound of Thumb Muscles and Grasp Strength in Early Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

The pathophysiology of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA) involves complex interactions between the ligaments and muscles supporting the joint. Factors such as muscle volume and strength may be more relevant in early disease. We used ultrasound as a noninvasive method to explore differences in the intrinsic hand muscles of patients with early CMC OA, as determined using physical exam and radiographs, and healthy controls. We also assessed differences in grip strength. A convenience sample of postmenopausal women with early CMC OA diagnosed using a physical examination or radiographs was recruited from an orthopedic clinic specializing in hand surgery. Healthy controls who were matched for age and hand dominance were recruited from the same clinic. We used ultrasound to determine the length of the first metacarpal and the muscle thickness of the abductor pollicis brevis, opponens pollicis (OPP), and first dorsal interosseous. Grip strength measurements were taken using a standard Jamar dynamometer and 2 custom-designed tools for cylindrical grasp and pinch strength. Twenty-three subjects were enrolled, with a total of 32 thumbs measured: 15 thumbs with arthritis and 17 healthy thumbs. Multivariable logistic regression models indicated that thumbs with thicker OPP had 0.85 lower odds (95% CI= 0.71-0.97) of early OA, adjusting for hand dominance and the first metacarpal length. Linear regression models indicated no association between early OA and grip strength. The size of OPP may have a weak association with the diagnosis of early OA. This study supports further exploration of the role of OPP in stabilizing the CMC joint, particularly with regard to minimizing joint subluxation. This may be clinically relevant to providers who treat patients with CMC OA early in the course of the disease, whennonsurgical treatment is the most relevant.

The curative effect analysis of a modified Kirschner wires and locking plate internal fixation method for the fifth metacarpal neck fracture

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of a modified internal fixation method for the treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fracture.MethodsFrom March 2018 to December 2019, 12 patients with the fifth metacarpal neck fractures of the hands were treated with the Kirschner wires and locking plate internal fixation method. Each patient’s gender, age, dominant hand, injured hand, trauma mechanism, preoperative and postoperative deformity (angulation and the length of the fifth metacarpal), the range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint and grip strength of each side, the time of return to work, and follow-up time were recorded and calculated.ResultsThe mean follow-up time was 16.8 months, and the angulations of preoperative and postoperative deformity were 40.0 ± 3.7°and 17.6 ± 1.7°, respectively. The length of the fifth metacarpals of preoperative and postoperative deformity were 51.5 ± 2.1 mm and 60.0 ± 1.8 mm, respectively. At the last follow-up, the range of motion of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint of the injured side and the contralateral side were 84.3 ± 3.6°and 86.5 ± 2.0°, and the grip strength of the injured side and the contralateral side were 74.8 ± 6.1 LB and 78.6 ± 8.3 LB, respectively, without statistically significant differences. QDASH score was 2.0 ± 1.0, and the time of return to work was 6.0 ± 0.7 weeks.ConclusionThe modified internal fixation method is one of the alternative treatments for the fifth metacarpal neck fracture with good curative effects.

Do carpal Tunnel Hands Have Different Shape Compare to Normal Hands?

Given the fact that the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) happens as a consequence of the median nerve entrapment, besides other known factors, the shape and anthropometric characteristics of the carpal tunnel, wrist, and hand could be considered as a predisposing risk factor for idiopathic CTS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology and radiologic scales in CTS hands. In this prospective study, patients who underwent upper extremity electrodiagnostic studies were enrolled for hand morphologic and radiographic indexes. Patients were divided into CTS suffering and CTS symptom-free groups according to nerve conduction velocity (NCV) findings. A true posteroanterior radiograph of the hands was pas performed for each participant. Metacarpal length to wrist length index (carpal ratio), metacarpal length to metacarpal width index, third to first metacarpal length, hand length index, and hand volume index were measured in both groups. Significant differences were seen between the two groups regarding the body mass index (P< 0.001), metacarpal length divided by metacarpal width index (P=0.08), first metacarpal length divided by third metacarpal length (P=0.002), wrist circumference divided by distal flexor wrist crease to the tip of the third finger (P< 0.001), distal flexor wrist crease to the tip of the third finger divided by hand volume (P=0.05), and distal flexor wrist crease to the tip of the third finger divided by wrist circumference (P< 0.001). Multivariable analysis of hand indices were statically significant for the first metacarpal length divided by third metacarpal length (P=0.00), wrist circumference divided by distal flexor wrist crease to the tip of the third finger (P=0.138), and distal flexor wrist crease to the tip of the third finger divided by wrist circumference (P=0.117). However, first metacarpal length divided by third metacarpal length and third metacarpal length divided by palm height were associated with higher CTS occurrences. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated cutoff points which were possible to estimate only for first metacarpal length divided by third metacarpal length and wrist circumference divided by distal flexor wrist crease to the tip of the third finger. Based on our findings, CTS hand is characterized by shorter fingers compared to thumb and wrist (metacarpal length to wrist length and hand length indexes), wider (metacarpal length to metacarpal width index), and bulkier (hand volume index) compared to non-CTS hands. The severity of CTS was correlated with a higher carpal ratio. In conclusion, CTS hands are bulkier with wider palms and shorter fingers compared to thumb. In this study, the thumb to the third metacarpal length was proved to be the best index for diagnosis of "CTS hand".

Innervation and vascular supply of the first dorsal interosseous muscle and palmar interosseous muscle of the index: An anatomic descriptive study

The first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) and palmar interosseous muscle of the index (P2I) are essential for the strength and mobility of the index finger. This study aims to describe the course of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (DBUN) and the blood supply to these muscles. An anatomical cadaver study was carried out with 14 upper limbs from fresh, non-embalmed cadavers. All limbs were filled with an equal amount, based on weight, of colored silicone and diluent that was combined and catalyzed with 5% curing agent. The location of the DBUN's termination was specified relative the carpometacarpal joint. Every artery supplying either muscle was identified and documented. The DBUN had a slightly convex path, distal to the hook of the hamate and penetrated the FDI muscle at an average 41% of the second metacarpal length. An average of 1.3 branches to the P2I and 2.6 branches to the FDI were found. Four artery pedicles coming from the deep palmar arch supply the FDI with an average of one consistent and exclusive pedicle to the FDI and three pedicles heading to the P2I. According to the classification of Mathes and Nahai, the FDI has a type 2 blood supply and the P2I has a type 3 blood supply. In-depth knowledge of the vascular network supplying the FDI and P2I muscles and the course of the DBUN is essential when the DBUN is damaged or when dissecting these muscles for index pollicization.

Effect of Dietary Calcium and Phosphorus Levels on Performance of Local and Exotic Pigs

AN experiment involving 30 Local and 30 Large White pigs was conducted to study the effect of dietary calcium and phosphorus levels on rate and efficiency of gain, carcass and bone characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. Rate and efficiency of gain and carcass quality were not significantly different among local pigs fed varying levels of calcium and phosphorus when the same calcium; phos-phorus (Ca : P) ratio was maintained at all dietary levels. In contrast, exotic pigs receiving similar diets had a significant improvement in rate of gain. Dietary calcium and phosphorus levels affected metacarpal length, weight and also metacarpal and turbinate ash in both breeds. Growth rate and carcass quality of local pigs were however, lower than those of exotic pigs on similar diets .

Predicting metacarpal length using paired ratios with bilateral X-ray films.

Introduction:When the metacarpal bones sustain severe osseous injury requiring reconstruction, functional recovery relies on the precise distribution of tension throughout full range of motion. While the small scale of hand structures compounds the effects of altering normal anatomy, literature lacks consensus recommendations for the acceptable degree of length alteration and/or appropriate methods of length estimation in reconstructive procedures. Length asymmetry has been reported in human metacarpal bones; however, studies assessing this phenomenon in living subjects with attention to functional implications or length prediction are lacking.Methods:Hand X-rays were obtained for 34 patients aged 25–80 without history of metacarpal trauma, joint degeneration, or pathologic bone metabolism. A scaled bivariate model predicted metacarpal length using an ipsilateral paired metacarpal and matching contralateral ratio: Estimate_Dx_R = Median_Dy_R * (Median_Dx_L/Median_Dy_L). A second set of predictions used the contralateral metacarpal as a control. Pearson correlation coefficients, paired t-tests, and chi-square tests evaluated the symmetry between bilateral metacarpal lengths and paired metacarpal ratios as well as the accuracy of each predictive method.Results:The contralateral control and target metacarpal differed significantly in digits 1, 2, 3, and 5. No significant difference in matched metacarpal ratios of the right and left hands was found. For all digits except 5D, bivariate model predictions generated were more strongly correlated with actual target length. Chi-square tests did not detect a significant difference in predictive value of the two models.Conclusion:The scaled bivariate model we describe may be useful and economic in generating accurate length estimates of metacarpals for reconstructive procedures.

Application of CT Medical Imaging Technology in the Diagnosis of the Impact of Exercise on the Development of Adolescent Metacarpal Bone

Objective: Based on the principles of sports biomechanics, this paper uses CT medical imaging technology to observe the effect of volleyball on the morphology and structure of the metacarpal bone. Methods: Nine young professional volleyball players (volleyball group) and 8 non-volleyball players (control group) were selected from our province. They were male and right-handed. Scan the subject's hand with multi-layer spiral CT, and perform 2D and 3D reconstruction on it. The 2D reconstructed image is filtered, grayed, enlarged, intercepted, enhanced, and segmented to measure the gray value of each metacarpal bone. After manual segmentation of the 3D reconstructed image in the workstation, the CT value, length, volume, and width of each side of the metacarpal head were measured, and the size and index of each metacarpal head were calculated. Statistical analysis of differences in metacarpal parameter values. Results: Compared with the control group, (1) the volleyball group reduced the gray value of the right hand I, V metacarpal and left hand I to V metacarpal bones (P &lt; 0.05), and the right hand II metacarpal bone decreased. (P &lt; 0.001), the gray value of the third and fourth metacarpal bones of the right hand decreased (P &lt; 0.01); Conclusion : The stress caused by volleyball can adaptively change the morphology and structure of the metacarpal bones of young athletes, as follows: Values, CT values decreased; metacarpal length, volume, and metacarpal head size (volume) increased; metacarpal head index decreased; in addition, non-snooker palm bone morphology and structure changed similarly to the spiker.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Japanese Aged 50 to 89 Years.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy worldwide, but there are few reports investigating its prevalence using subjects diagnosed by both clinical symptoms and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) in a population-based cohort. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of CTS diagnosed by sensory disturbance findings and NCSs using a randomly sampled resident population. Methods: Subjects aged between 50 and 89 years were randomly sampled from the basic resident registry of a rural Japanese town. Subjects indicating a history of CTS surgery in a written questionnaire were classified as having past CTS. Subjects with both sensory disturbance of the median nerve area and delays in NCSs were diagnosed as having present CTS. Subjects with past or present CTS were judged as affected with CTS. We calculated the prevalence of CTS and investigated for possible risk factors. Results: Seventeen subjects (14 female and 3 male) were affected with CTS among 379 enrolled subjects. Adjusting these results to Japanese population values, the weighted prevalence of CTS was 4.7% (female: 7.2%, male: 1.8%) in the Japanese population aged 50 to 89 years. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between CTS and female, higher BMI, rheumatoid arthritis, and trigger digit. In females affected with CTS, third metacarpal length was significantly shorter than in those without CTS. Conclusions: This epidemiological study clarified the prevalence of CTS among Japanese seniors as 4.7%. Female, higher BMI, rheumatoid arthritis, trigger digit, and shorter third metacarpal length in females were risk factors for CTS.

Rare or misidentified? On the external identification of the neglected Artibeus inopinatus Davis &amp;amp; Carter, 1964 (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in Honduras

For years, the identification ofArtibeusspecies has been controversial due to the overlap of morphometric characteristics between species. From February 2015 to September 2019, we sampled 25 sites in 10 departments of Honduras, and captured 81Artibeusindividuals using mist-nets. We determined the morphometric measurements that may be helpful in the identification of adult individuals of the Honduran Fruit-eating Bat,Artibeus inopinatus, in the field. We analyzed 648 morphometric measurements using a linear discriminant analysis, and determined that the forearm length, third metacarpal length, the length of the second phalanx of digit III, and body length are the main characteristics for the external identification ofA. inopinatus.

The incidence of, and relationship between, distal limb and facial asymmetry, and performance in the event horse

Identification of influential conformational traits is an important aspect in choosing the most appropriate horse for a specific discipline with regards to both performance potential and career longevity. Symmetry of bilateral traits, both functional and non-functional, demonstrates the ability of an individual to display their genotypic quality through their phenotype. External trait symmetry has been linked to effective functioning and health of a number of internal organ systems. The identification of a relationship between bilateral trait symmetry and performance in the equine athlete could highlight important conformational indicators of potential future performance. Using Invicta metric callipers and a tape measure, direct measurements of 15 bilateral traits, functional (limb) and non-functional (facial), were obtained from 18 advanced event horses (AdE) and 15 event horses proven incapable of reaching advanced level (NIE). Tests of difference were performed to determine differences in asymmetry between the two populations for individual traits and for identification of the mean total asymmetry (MTA) of the two populations. The AdE group demonstrated statistically lower asymmetry for a number of functional (metacarpal length and width, P≤0.05; fore proximal phalanx length, P≤0.05) and non-functional (nostril length, P≤0.001; pinna length, P≤0.05) traits. Furthermore, the AdE group demonstrated significantly lower MTA (P≤0.001) than the NIE. Where significance was not identified, all but one functional trait still demonstrated a trend for lower asymmetry in the AdE group. From the results, it is suggested that asymmetry levels have future potential to be used as an indicator of performance potential. The size of the mean asymmetry values being considered, further imply that the differences between the performance of the two groups cannot be as a result of limb biomechanics alone and that other more intricate biological disruptions, for example neurological development, may also be reflected by the trait asymmetries.

Plasticity in the growth of body segments in relation to height‐for‐age and maternal education in Guatemala

ObjectivesPlasticity in the growth of body segments between populations has been researched in relation to migration, temporal change and high‐altitude studies. We study the within population variation in body segments, thus controlling for some of the environmental and genetic differences that could be at play in between populations studies. We test a version of the thrifty phenotype hypothesis, where the growth of head‐trunk and hand are prioritized due to their functional significance over height and leg growth.Materials and methodsA total of 3913 Guatemalan, rural, semi‐urban and urban, Maya and Ladino children 6 to 15 years old were studied. Height, sitting height, leg length, and metacarpal length were studied in relation to three proxies for living conditions: height‐ and leg length‐for‐age, and maternal education. Estimation statistics and null hypothesis significance testing were used to analyze the data.ResultsMetatarsal length and sitting height values were higher than height and leg length respectively. Relative metacarpal length was conserved across height‐for‐age groups. Females were less affected than males for metacarpal length and sitting height, but more affected for leg length.ConclusionOur results agree with the thrifty phenotype hypothesis, where metacarpal and sitting height growth would be prioritized over height and leg length due to greater functional significance.