DETERMINATION OF THE AMOUNT OF BONE IN THE METACARPAL

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Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the transverse cross-sectional cortical area of the third proximal phalanx as calculated from measurements of hand X-rays correlates well with the ash content of the bone as determined by incineration. The investigation has now been extended to the second metacarpal and measurements have been made on radiographs from 37 subjects aged 61 to 99 years. There was found to be a highly significant correlation (r=0·8535) between cortical area and ash content. The ash concentration in terms of mass per unit volume of bone tissue of the metacarpal shaft has a mean value of 1110±220 mg/ml. This value corresponds closely with the results obtained by other authors using a variety of methods. It is concluded that radiographic measurements provide a simple and reliable method for determining the mineral concentration of bone.

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