Fifth Metacarpal Length

The normal length of the metacarpal of the small finger (5th metacarpal) can be defined as a gap of 2 mm or less between the distal end of the fifth metacarpal bone and a tangential line connecting the distal ends of the third and fourth metacarpal bones.

Short metacarpal of the small finger (brachymetacarpia V) can be seen in children with familial short stature or insulin resistance type A.

References

• Cervantes CD, Lifshitz F, Levenbrown J. Radiologic anthropometry of the hand in patients with familial short stature. Pediatr Radiol. 1988;18(3):210-4.
• Patel VK, Davies HA. Insulin resistance Type A and short 5th metacarpals. Diabet Med. 2003 Jun;20(6):500-4.