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Metacarpal sign

Dr MT Niknejad and Dr Frank Gaillard et al.

In the metacarpal sign, a line drawn along the heads of the 4^th and 5^th metacarpals will intersect the head of the 3^rd metacarpal if shortening is present. The shortened 4^th metacarpal is the key to the sign.

The sign is positive in up to 9.6% of normal individuals ³.
It is however seen in a variety of conditions . For a gamut of this sign see: short 4^th/5^th metacarpal.