Phalangeal Length Research Articles

THE LINEAR LENGTH OF MODERN POPULATION'S YOUNG PEOPLE HANDS PHALANGES ACCORDING TO X-RAY OSTEOMETRY AND THEIR CORRELATIONS

More than a sufficient number of works are devoted to X-ray studies of the bones of the hand, its phalanges, and only a few works are devoted to the issues of the relationship of their parameters in the context of the general patterns of organization of the structural elements of the autopodia. The data of these studies do not create a unified idea of the correlation patterns of the metric parameters of the bones that form the human hand skeleton, while the study of this issue is of great theoretical and practical importance. The purpose of the study is the establish of the variability of X-ray steometric indicators of the length of the phalanxes of boys aged 17-21 and girls aged 16-20. The material of the study was 146 radiographs of the right and left hands of boys and girls obtained for diagnostic purposes when applying for trauma care. X-rays of both hands of patients with scanning also of the wrist joints were performed under conventional radiation protection conditions on a mobile X-ray unit MobileDaRt (Shimadzu, Japan). The distance from the X-ray source to the object of study corresponded to the generally accepted recommendations in X-ray osteometry. The images were automatically saved in the computer memory in the standard DICOM format. It was established that the average values of the radiographic linear lengths of the phalanges of the fingers and the overall average in boys were statistically significantly higher than those in girls. Finger-wise comparison of indicators between two sex-different populations also showed their highly significant differences in all phalanges without exception. Among the studied osteometric parameters, according to the results obtained, the smallest variability is inherent in the length of the proximal phalanges in girls. The general image established using the method of indirect X-ray osteometry of the I–V fingers phalanges length correlation values, showed their differences with the few data of other authors. It was concluded that the analysis of the limits of anatomical variability, due not only to various external and internal factors, but also methodological approaches and their comparison are of no less scientific importance than the analysis of the influence of only the different conditions and biological characteristics of the analyzed populations.

Validity and Reliability of a Depth Camera–Based Quantitative Measurement for Joint Motion of the Hand

Quantitative measurement of hand motion is essential in evaluating hand function. This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of a novel depth camera-based contactless automatic measurement system to assess hand range of motion and its potential benefits in clinical applications. Five hand gestures were designed to evaluate the hand range of motion using a depth camera-based measurement system. Seventy-one volunteers were enrolled in performing the designed hand gestures. Then, the hand range of motion was measured with the depth camera and manual procedures. System validity was evaluated based on 3 dimensions: repeatability, within-laboratory precision, and reproducibility. For system reliability, linear evaluation, the intraclass correlation coefficient, paired t -test and bias were employed to test the consistency and difference between the depth camera and manual procedures. When measuring phalangeal length, repeatability, within-laboratory precision, and reproducibility were 2.63%, 12.87%, and 27.15%, respectively. When measuring angles of hand motion, the mean repeatability and within-laboratory precision were 1.2° and 3.3° for extension of 5 digits, 2.7° and 10.2° for flexion of 4 fingers, and 3.1° and 5.3° for abduction of 4 metacarpophalangeal joints, respectively. For system reliability, the results showed excellent consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient= 0.823; P < .05) and good linearity with the manual procedures (r= 0.909-0.982, approximately; P < .001). Besides, 78.3% of the measurements were clinically acceptable. Our depth camera-based evaluation system provides acceptable validity and reliability in measuring hand range of motion and offers potential benefits for clinical care and research in hand surgery. However, further studies are required before clinical application. This study suggests a depth camera-based contactless automatic measurement system holds promise for assessing hand range of motion in hand function evaluation, diagnosis, and rehabilitation for medical staff. However, it is currently not adequate for all clinical applications.

Using hand and phalanges length for estimating the height of the kharwar tribe of uttar pradesh, India

Personal identification is an integral part of the investigation in cases of mass disasters where disintegrated and amputated body organs are found very frequently. Plastic and latent fingerprints and palm prints are also available very commonly at most of the scene of crime. Estimating height from various parameters based on the above–mentioned evidences becomes one of the most important and essential exercise for personal identification. In present paper, study on height estimation from h and phalanges length among the Kharwar Tribe of Uttar Pradesh, has been reported. Height and phalanges length of all the fingers of both the hands of 112 individuals have been measured. The inked palm prints were also obtained and the same measurements were recorded from it also. There aggression equations have been drawn from the data collected.The result of the present study shows that, estimation of body height or stature from its segments especially from phalangeal lengths has important considerations for identifications of human remains recovered from mass disaster.

Evolution and biomechanical variation in mammalian ungual phalanges with respect to locomotion

Past studies of the morphology of the claw-bearing phalanges among mammalian taxa has revealed a correspondence of ungual phalanx shape and the broad form of locomotor behavior carried out by those taxa. Further research has provided evidence for convergence in the morphology of ungual phalanges among distantly related taxa that engage in similar locomotion. This evolutionary parallelism is proposed to have been motivated by conserved, shared morphogenic pathways. Such evidence would argue that, despite phylogenetic divergence, we would expect to observe: 1) similar biomechanical properties in ungual cross-sectional geometry among unrelated taxa performing similar forms of locomotion; and 2) phylogenetic modeling of the evolution of ungual phalanx morphology should demonstrate evidence for selection and convergence. In this study, we test these hypotheses using linear dimensions and cross-sectional geometric properties (CGSP) obtained from 42 mammalian taxa. This sample represents a breadth of taxa that have previously been classified into five broad locomotor guilds (arboreal, cursorial, fossorial, generalist, scansorial). CSGP (Ix, Iy, J) were obtained using a Stratec pQCT scanner, and linear dimensions of the phalangeal length, mid-length mediolateral width and dorsopalmar height, and extensor and flexor lever arm lengths were taken using digital Mitutoyo sliding calipers. MANOVAs of linear and CSGP traits demonstrate significant differences in locomotor groups (Pillai's Trace = 0.7206; p=0.0007). Discriminant function analysis shows this is motivated by J and the proportion of mediolateral width to dorsopalmar height of the phalangeal mid-length. We then subjected these properties to phylogenetic models assessing evolutionary models of Brownian motion (using R packages ‘bayou’ and ‘OUwie’). Results present little evidence for shared selective regime changes among taxa. One notable model results indicates selective shifts that occurred among taxa that evolved from an ancestral state of mediolaterally narrow phalanges to broader phalanges (as would be associated with fossorial behaviors). Thus, while convergences in shape and CSGP that relate to locomotor behavior are observed among taxa, phylogenetic comparative methods support selection as occurring only in species that evolved from a narrow to broader ungual phalanx morphology. Further analyses using OU models were used to assess phylogenetic models of convergence.

RONTGEN-MORPHOMETRIC DATA TO THE CORRELATION OF THE PHALANXES LENGTH WITH A LENGTH OF HUMAN HANDS FINGERS

Data on the anatomical variability of the phalanges and fingers of the hand are needed to expand biometric databases in robotics, prosthetics, and forensic medicine. The aim of the study was to study the X-ray morphometric variability of the length of individual phalanges of the fingers of the hand, their relationship with the length of the fingers. By the method of morphometry, the lengths of individual phalanges and fingers of the hands were determined on 100 certified radiographs of the hands of persons of the second mature age (50 men and 50 women), and a correlation was established between the length of the phalanges and fingers. To identify the statistical relationship between quantitative characteristics, the parametric Pearson correlation coefficient was used. The relationship between quantitative indicators was assessed using multiple regression analysis. Classification and grouping were carried out using cluster analysis by the complete connection method, the Euclidean distance served as a measure of the relationship. The variability in the length of the phalanges and fingers increases towards the ulnar edge. The X-ray morphometric length of individual phalanges and fingers is characterized, regardless of gender, by regular formulas of variability: the length of the proximal phalanges is III&gt;IV&gt;II&gt;V&gt;I, the length of the middle phalanges is III&gt;IV&gt;II&gt;V, the length of the distal phalanges is I&gt;IV&gt; III&gt;II&gt;V, finger length - III&gt;IV&gt;II&gt;V&gt;I. The degree of dependence of the length of the fingers on the length of the phalanges in both men and women decreases in the distal direction in the longitudinal axis and the ulnar edge in the transverse axis of the hand. As a result of cluster analysis, the organization of the objects of study was established depending on the degree of correlations of their length: groups of proximal phalanges of II-IV and I, V fingers, groups of middle phalanges of III-IV and II-V fingers, distal phalanges and fingers are organized somewhat more complexly - groups III -IV, II, V fingers and group I fingers. The data obtained can be used in the development of innovative anatomically grounded anthropomorphic robotic manipulators, in anthropological reconstructions, and in identification in forensic practice.

ETHNO-TERRITORIAL FEATURES OF SOME OSTEOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF THE PROXIMAL PHALANGES OF THE HAND IN MALE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN TAJIKISTAN AND WESTERN INDIA

The aim of the study is to establish ethno-territorial differences in the linear parameters of the proximal phalanges of the fingers in children and adolescents of the male sex of Tajikistan and Western India, regression equations that allow determining the nature of the dependence of the age of the examined and linear sizes of phalanges. On 366 radiographs of the right hand in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years from Tajikistan and India (Mumbai), the length of the proximal phalanges and the width of their diaphysis were measured. To determine the relationship between the age and the length, as well as the width of the diaphysis, Spearman's nonparametric correlation coefficient was used, because the age distribution does not correspond to normal. One-way ANOVA demonstrates the statistical significance of the increase in the length and width of the diaphysis of the proximal phalanges in boys and young men of Tajikistan and India with age, but the growth of these bones is uneven. For both Tajik and Indian boys, the closest correlation with age was found for the length of the second finger phalanx. It was found that in children in the smallest regions compared, the correlation was determined between their age and the length of the phalanx of the fifth finger. The length of the phalanx of the third finger increased most significantly with age in boys of the compared ethnic groups. The smallest height in length was determined for the phalanx of the fifth finger in boys in India and for the phalanx of the first finger in adolescents in Tajikistan. The maximum growth of the diaphysis in width was observed in the phalanx of the second finger, the smallest in the phalanges of the first and fifth fingers. The highest reliability was found with the length of the phalanx of the second finger. For Tajik boys, the parameters of the length of the phalanges of the III and IV fingers also have a correlation coefficient, therefore, they can be used to identify their age.

X-RAY OSTEOMETRY OF SOME LINE PARAMETERS OF THE MIDDLE PHALANGES OF THE HAND IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN TERM OF DIFFERENT AGE AND ETHNICITY

The aim of the study is a comparative analysis of the linear parameters of the length and width of the diaphysis of the middle phalanges in children and adolescents of Tajikistan and Western India, and also the possibility of using these linear parameters to establish the age of children of the compared ethnic groups. On 325 radiographs of the right hand in male children and adolescents of the Kanibadam region of the Republic of Tajikistan and the city of Mumbai (Western India) at the age of 6-17 years, the length of the middle phalanges and the width of their diaphysis were determined. To determine the relationship between the age of children of the compared ethnic groups and the linear parameters of the length and width of the shaft of the phalanges, Spearman's nonparametric correlation coefficient was used. Comparative assessment of the values ​​of indicators by age was carried out by the method of parametric and non-parametric analysis. In boys of Tajikistan, the closest correlation was established between the age of children and the length of the middle phalanx of the third finger, while in their Indian peers this ratio was determined evenly for the II-IV fingers of the hand. The width of the diaphysis of the phalanges of the fourth finger increased most significantly with age in boys of Tajikistan, and in the Indians, the width of the third finger, the smallest increase in the width of the diaphysis in the compared groups was determined for the phalanges of the second finger. The linear parameters of the middle phalanges of the hand can be used to identify the age of children and adolescents in Tajikistan and Western India at the age of 6-17 years. For Tajik children, the best predictor of age is the linear parameter of the length of the middle phalanx of the index, and for their Indian peers, the length of the middle phalanx of the II-IV fingers is equally.

Fibonacci's mathematical sequence predicts functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the hand

Background: Fibonacci described a mathematical sequence starting 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8… where each sub sequential number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. The golden ratio (Phi, Φ = 1.618) is the ratio of two consecutive numbers in the sequence. Here, we investigate whether there is a relationship between these mathematical sequences or ratios and functional or actual lengths of the digits. Methods: Two hundred radiographs of the hand were reviewed by three independent reviewers (interobserver correlation r >0.98), and the actual and functional phalangeal lengths were measured. Results: Both the functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the little finger followed Fibonacci's sequence. The index, middle, and ring fingers followed a mathematical sequence related to the Fibonacci's sequence. We were not able to demonstrate any direct relationship between phalangeal length and the golden ration (Φ). The sum of lengths of the distal and middle phalanx equals the length of the proximal phalanx with great accuracy. Conclusions: This is useful in many surgical situations (congenital deformities, polytrauma to the hands, and arthroplasty).

Stature And Sex Estimation From Handprint Measurements In Population Of Sharkia Governorate

Background: At the crime scene, handprints are one of the greatest valuable evidences. Sometimes, latent impressions of hands may be the only evidence left in the crime scene. Using several anthropometric parameters on crime scene evidences as handprint for suggesting stature and sex can play an important role in decreasing number of suspects, in our study we aim to assess the feasibility of handprint measurements in estimation of stature and sex in the local population of Sharkia Governorate. Method: The analyzed study sample consists of 127participants (62 males and 65 females) right-handed between age of (18 and 60 years ) from people of Sharkia governorate, stature was measured and handprints were scanned by (CanoScan lide120) .Handprint parameters were processed and taken using Image j program measuring 21 handprint measurements. Results: As regarding the stature, showed that there is a marked difference between males and females, where males are higher in length than females in this study and all the taken measures showed noticed differences between them, Estimation of Stature from handprint measurements by equations from regression (simple linear and best fitting multiple linear models), in regard to sex estimation, all 21 handprint measurements are sexually dimorphic. In the stepwise analysis of the handprint variables, two measurements were selected: handprint breadth and the distal phalangeal length of the thumb. Conclusion: Stature and sex can be estimated from handprint measurements.

Radiographic digit ratios (2D:4D) of Afro-Caribbean children: Comparisons with published data from white children

BackgroundDigit ratio (2D:4D) from soft-tissue measurements of fingers from children and adults from Black and White ethnic groups show sex differences (males<females) and group differences (Black< White). However, less is known about such differences in radiographic 2D:4D. AimTo consider sex and ethnic differences in radiographic 2D:4D of children of Afro-Caribbean descent and to compare these means with “standards” from White children. Subjects and methodsA cross-sectional design with samples from Afro-Caribbean children aged 6 to 11 years compared to published radiographic measurements for White children in the Fels Longitudinal Study. ResultsRadiographic 2D:4D showed ethnic differences such that Afro-Caribbeans<Whites. There was an age-stable right-side sex difference (boys<girls) in the 2D:4D of the distal phalanx and the distal soft-tissue tip in the Afro-Caribbean children but not in the proximal- and middle-phalanges or the composite length of the phalanges. Sex differences in 2D:4D (boys<girls) were present in the White children in the middle and proximal phalanges and composite phalange length but not in the distal phalanx. ConclusionIn Afro-Caribbean children, mean radiographic 2D:4D was lower than that of White children and sexual dimorphism of 2D:4D (boys<girls) was confined to the distal phalanx and fingertip soft-tissue. In contrast in White children, there were no sex differences in the distal phalanx but there were in the middle-, proximal and composite phalanges (boys<girls). We discuss whether these differences in 2D:4D are widespread among Blacks and Whites and the implications for the interpretation of radiographic 2D:4D and morphological soft-tissue 2D:4D across macro-ethnic groups.

Differential locomotor and predatory strategies of Gondwanan and derived Laurasian dromaeosaurids (Dinosauria, Theropoda, Paraves): Inferences from morphometric and comparative anatomical studies.

Tetrapod limbs morphology is a reliable proxy of locomotor capacities. Beyond this, other aspects of life habits, such as predation abilities, can also be relevant to determine main morphofunctional appendicular properties, which ultimately reflect a compromise between different factors of the biological role. Dromaeosauridae is a dinosaur clade belonging to Theropoda, a group of bipedal predators. Dromaeosaurids represent an interesting study case, in which the hindlimbs have been proposed to be involved in both locomotion and predation activity. A peculiar feature characterizing all dromaeosaurids is a modified second pedal digit, which is typically related to predation. This theropod group is closely related to birds and diversified during the Cretaceous Period, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere (Laurasia). However, a subclade of dromaeosaurids, the Unenlagiinae, was recently recognized for Gondwana. Nevertheless, there are morphological differences between derived Laurasian dromaeosaurids (eudromaeosaurs) and unenlagiines. Such differences are observed in the proportions between hindlimb bones and in the presence of a subarctometatarsalian condition in unenlagiines, which is mainly characterized by a proximally constricted metatarsal III. To evaluate the function of these divergent morphologies, we conducted morphometric analyses and comparisons of qualitative morphological aspects, encompassing unenlagiines, other dromaeosaurids, as well as taxa from other theropod groups, including extant birds. The former approach consisted of two phylogenetic principal component analyses, one based on the main measurements of the hindlimb, and the other focused on the lengths of the pedal phalanges. The first analysis drew the unenlagiines close to taxa with long tibiae, as well as long and slender metatarsi. Instead, eudromaeosaurs are closer to taxa with shorter tibiae, and shorter and wider metatarsi. The second analysis showed that eudromaeosaurs and unenlagiines have similar phalangeal proportions, including the elongation of distal phalanges. However, the shorter second phalanx of the pedal digit II of eudromaeosaurs could have increased the force generated by this digit, which was the main predatory tool of the autopodium. This, together with a shorter and wider metatarsus, and a marked hinge-like morphology of the articular surfaces of metatarsals and phalanges, possibly allowed eudromaeosaurs to exert a great gripping strength and hunt large prey. Conversely, the longer and slender subarctometatarsus, and less well-marked hinge joints of unenlagiines possibly gave them greater cursorial capacities. Additionally, the longer second phalanx of digit II allowed unenlagiines fast movements of this digit to hunt smaller and elusive prey. Thus, the distinctive morphological evolutionary pathways of these two dromaeosaurid clades seem to have been influenced by the particular locomotor and predatory specializations that characterized each of these lineages.

Anatomical Differences Between Foot and Hand Web Space Reconstruction

The differences in the anatomy of the foot and the hand may affect the dorsal flap design for web space reconstruction. In this study, the authors aimed to identify the differences in web space anatomy of the foot and the hand and provide a guideline of flap design for web space reconstruction in the foot and the hand. The right hands and right feet of adult volunteers were measured, including surgical landmarks (i.e., the dorsal prominence of proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints [or metatarsophalangeal joints]), proximal phalangeal length, tip of the web space, and width of web space. The web spaces and other parameters were analyzed and compared between the foot and the hand by using a paired t test with p < .05 to indicate statistical significance. A total of 108 web spaces of the foot and hand from 18 adult volunteers were analyzed. The parameters that were significantly different between the foot and the hand included (1) proximal phalangeal length (34.63 vs 60.16 mm), (2) average web height ratio (0.72 vs 0.51), (3) average web width ratio (0.69 vs 0.81), (4) mean slope angle (4.89° vs 19.26°), and (5) average abduction angle (25.33° vs 31.07°). In conclusion, the foot web space had a higher slope angle, less abduction angle, and shorter proximal phalangeal length. Therefore, the flap design for foot web space reconstruction requires a longer and narrower flap than the design for the hand. The recommended flap design length should be at least 72% of proximal phalangeal length for the foot versus 51% for the hand, and the width should be at least 69% of the distance between the tips of adjacent metatarsophalangeal joints for the foot versus 81% for the hand.

Suture Suspensionplasty Using Abductor Pollicis Longus and Flexor Carpi Radialis for Advanced Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis.

Current operative treatment for advanced thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis mainly constitutes complete trapeziectomy with or without additional stabilizing procedures. However, it is unclear whether the additional procedures influence overall clinical outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of our posttrapeziectomy suture suspensionplasty technique, performed using the abductor pollicis longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons, in patients with advanced thumb CMC arthritis. We evaluated 36 thumbs of 35 patients with advanced thumb CMC arthritis treated with combined operative excision of trapezium followed by a suture suspensionplasty using flexor carpi radialis and abductor pollicis longus tendons. We used a minimal volar approach to create a sling construct with a nonabsorbable suture material, which could support the thumb metacarpal base without pin fixation or tendon transfer. For radiographic evaluation, we used the ratio of the radial metacarpal subluxation to metacarpal articular width, estimated from the bilateral stress-view radiographic images of the thumb, and calculated the trapezial space ratio by dividing the trapezial space height by the proximal phalangeal length. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores, along with evaluation of the improvement in both postoperative range of motion and strength recovery. The mean duration of follow-up was 26 months (range, 18-60 months). The average visual analog scale and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores decreased from 5.9 to 0.4 and from 51.6 to 27.0, respectively. The range of motion during palmar abduction and opposition of the metacarpophalangeal joint improved with an increase in mean value from 49.1 degrees to 54.1 degrees, and from 7.8 to 9.3 Kapandji score, respectively. The grip and key pinch strengths showed no significant changes from mean preoperative values of 13.3 kg and 3.8 kg to 13.2 kg and 3.2 kg, respectively, as measured at the 18-month follow-up. Our suture suspensionplasty technique has several advantages including minimal invasive approach, short operative time, cost-effectiveness, and early mobilization. We suggest that it can be used as an effective, alternative stabilization method after a complete trapeziectomy.

Metatarsophalangeal proportions of Homo naledi

Post-cranial differences between extant apes and humans include differences in the length, shape and size of bone elements relative to each other; i.e. differences in proportions. Foot proportions are influenced by the different functional requirements of climbing and bipedal locomotion. Phalangeal length is generally correlated with locomotor behaviour in primates and there is variation in hominins in relative phalangeal lengths – the functional and evolutionary significance of which is unclear and currently debated. Homo naledi has a largely modern rearfoot (i.e. tarsal skeleton) and midfoot (i.e. metatarsal skeleton). The proximal pedal phalanges of H. naledi are curved, but the relative lengths are unknown, because the phalanges cannot reliably be associated with metatarsals, or in many cases even with ray number. Here, we assess the lengths of the proximal pedal phalanges relative to the metatarsals in H. naledi with resampling from modern human and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) samples. We use a novel resampling method that employs two boundary conditions, assuming at one extreme that elements in the sample are associated, and at the other extreme that no elements are associated. The associated metatarsophalangeal proportions from digits 1 and 2 are within the 95% confidence interval of the modern human distribution. However, the associated and unassociated proportions from digits 3–5 fall above the 95% confidence interval of the human distribution, but below and outside of the chimpanzee distribution. While these results may indicate fossil preservation bias or other sample-derived statistical limitations, they potentially raise the intriguing possibility of unique medial versus lateral pedal column functional evolution in H. naledi. Additionally, the relevant associated proportions of H. naledi are compared to and are different from those of H. floresiensis. Both species suggest deep phylogenetic placement so the ancestral condition of the pedal phalanges in the genus Homo remains unclear.&#x0D; Significance: &#x0D; &#x0D; Modern humans demonstrate straight and relatively short pedal phalanges, whereas H. naledi demonstrates curved phalanges of an unknown relative length. This research analyses the relative length of the proximal phalanges to the metatarsals to determine if naledi has relatively short phalanges similar to modern humans or is distinct from modern humans in both its phalangeal length and curvature.&#x0D; This analysis further develops a statistical resampling method that was previously applied to large fossil assemblages with little association between bones.&#x0D;

A bioarchaeological and biocultural investigation of Chinese footbinding at the Xuecun archaeological site, Henan Province, China

From 2005–2006 the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Henan Province, excavated the Xuecun cemetery as part of a salvage archaeology project associated with the South to North Water Diversion Project. This gave a unique opportunity to examine burials from the Ming-Qing Dynasties (1360–1911). Burials from this period are seldom excavated as the Chinese, do not want to disturb their direct ancestors. This is one of the first studies to examine the paleopathological consequences for footbinding in China. A total of 202 individuals were analyzed for evidence of bound feet: including the loss of musculature in the legs, alterations to muscle attachments, changes in the morphology of the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges, and signs of infection and trauma. Length and width measurements of tarsals, metatarsal, and phalanges were taken from all females with observable bones. T-test results confirmed a significant difference in tarsal and metatarsal length/width. The incidence of footbinding also increased through time from no evidence in the Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Song Dynasty, and Jin Dynasty, to a dramatic increase in the late Ming Dynasty to Qing Dynasty.

A new biometric: In utero growth curves for metacarpal and phalangeal lengths reveal an embryonic patterning ratio.

The objectives of this study are to develop gestational age-specific growth curves for fetal third metacarpal and phalangeal lengths and to determine if fetal hand proportion is established in utero. This prospective cross-sectional study used 2D ultrasound across gestational ages 12 to 39weeks to evaluate the third fetal metacarpal and phalangeal measurements. Gestational age-specific reference growth curves were developed. Associations between continuous variables were assessed using Spearman correlations (rs ) and restricted cubic splines. A nonlinear biologic regression model was used to predict metacarpal and phalangeal lengths as a function of gestational age. Measurements derived from five cases of thanatophoric dysplasia were used to determine if brachydactyly could be objectified. Fetal metacarpal and phalangeal lengths are highly correlated across gestational age (rs =0.96, P<0.001). The mean fetal metacarpal to phalangeal ratio is constant from gestational age 15 to 39weeks (rs =-0.07, P=0.49). Third-digit metacarpal and phalangeal lengths in thanatophoric dysplasia showed brachydactyly in all cases (5/5), and none of the cases (0/5) demonstrated a normal metacarpal to phalangeal ratio of 0.49. We present gestational age-specific reference growth curves for fetal third metacarpal and phalangeal lengths, which may be used to detect brachydactyly. We demonstrate a prenatal metacarpal to phalangeal ratio of 1:2.

Exo-Glove PM: An Easily Customizable Modularized Pneumatic Assistive Glove

Customization is an important issue for assistive gloves because it affects glove performance. In this letter, we propose an assembly based customizable soft pneumatic assistive glove, named Exo-Glove PM. Pneumatic soft robots generally consist of a single structure with embedded actuators. However, when assembled, the region where the assemblies are connected easily undergoes large stress concentration that leads to failure. To overcome this issue, we have developed a hybrid actuator module that combines a soft actuation structure and rigid joining methods. In general, rigid joining methods require a bulky design to enable easy assembly, but Exo-Glove PM is designed to create pathways for assembly tools to access the bolt heads by bending certain parts. This novel way of joining assemblies allows soft robots to be built of multiple parts while minimizing the volume. It ensures small module size and enables modules to cover a wide range of hand sizes; the distance between each module is matched to the length of the user's phalanges using spacers. This approach allows users to customize the glove by assembly of standardized modules and maximizes the comfort and the performance of the glove without custom manufacturing and, thus, reduces costs.

Looking beyond phalangeal length and curvature: Functional correlation between manual phalangeal articular and collateral ligamentous morpohology and anthropoid locomotor adaptations

Primates exhibit more diversity in locomotor behavior than any other mammalian order. Discrete locomotor adaptations are characterized by distinct patterns of phalangeal orientation with dissimilar patterns of mechanical loading. Phalangeal shaft length and curvature are frequently used to infer locomotion in fossil anthropoids given the direct and repetitive contact between the hand and substrate; however, most fossil anthropoid phalanges are fragmentary or incomplete. Given that articular epiphyses and associated collateral ligaments are subject to the same locomotor behaviour‐specific mechanical loading that influences longitudinal shaft curvature and length, it is reasonable to predict that the proximal and distal articular surface morphology and collateral ligament fossae (CLF) are also influenced, at least in part, by locomotion.We test the hypothesis that anthropoid phalangeal articular and collateral ligament fossae (CLF) morphology (i.e. contour curvature, size) varies with respect to locomotion and that more terrestrial primates experiencing higher compressive loads will have larger CLF's and increased mediolateral articular contour curvatures to resist mediolateral joint displacement. Segmented 3D models of proximal and distal articular surfaces and CLF's were obtained for the proximal phalanges (digits 2–5) of 16 locomotor diverse anthropoid genera (n=234 individuals). Direct comparisons among individual taxa and locomotor groupings reveal that articular and CLF morphology is a composite function of size, phylogeny, and locomotion but that more terrestrial primates have greater mediolateral articular contour curvatures and larger, deeper CLF's relative to more arboreal primates who have less mediolaterally restrictive joints with increased dorsoventral curvatures and smaller CLF's.

Radiological Biometric Study of Metatarsals and Phalanges.

Several diseases affect the forefoot bones. Relative dimensions of the forefoot bones are important considerations for preoperative and postoperative assessment of surgeries. The choice of a particular surgery over another can also be made if the surgeon knows the length to which a bone needs to be lengthened or shortened in comparison to other bones of the forefoot. To measure the dimensions of the metatarsals and phalanges on standardized radiographs and to determine possible correlations amongst them. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 60 volunteer participants of either sex. The dimensions of metatarsals and phalanges were measured on standardized radiographs of both feet in 60 healthy adults. The mean, range and standard deviation were calculated. Correlation analysis was done to assess the association between the variables. The first metatarsal was the shortest (56.42±4.41 mm in males and 50.09±3.06 mm in females) and widest of all metatarsals (13.7±1.00 mm in males and 11.7±0.91 mm in females). The first proximal phalanx was the longest (28.0±2.40 mm in males and 25.8±2.21 mm in females) and the fifth distal phalanx (5.2±1.33 mm in males and 4.4±1.03 mm in females) was the shortest of all phalanges. A strong correlation (p<0.001) exists amongst the lengths of metatarsals, proximal phalanges and middle phalanges, within their own groups. Correlation of the lengths and widths of the forefoot bones amongst themselves and between types can be calculated mathematically utilising standardized radiographs. This helps in assessment of forefoot disorders, choose an appropriate surgical technique and postoperative evaluation.

Sexual dimorphism in ratio of second and fourth phalanges and metacarpals: A retrospective study

Introduction: There are many features in humans which exhibit sexual dimorphism. A unique feature showing this gender differentiation is the ratio of lengths of index and ring fingers. Sexual dimorphism in finger lengths has been studied across the globe, wherein ethnic and racial variations in digit ratio have been reported. Our studywas conducted in the central Indian population, where no such study was done till now. Aim: To study the prevalence of sexual dimorphism in central Indian population using ratio of phalangeal and metacarpal length of index and ring fingers. Methodology: This is a retrospective radiological study done on left hand of 42 males and 49 females of age 20 years and above. The lengths of phalanges and metacarpals of index and ring fingers were measured on X rays films and their ratios were taken and analyzed statistically. Result: There were no statistically significant variations observed in the ratios of the index and ring fingers between the two sexes in the data taken from central Indian population.