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Citation:
Amini B, Bell D, Metacarpal index. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 19 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-1665
The metacarpal index (MCI) is a radiographic measurement that can be used to confirm the presence of disproportionate metacarpal length. It was first introduced by Sinclair in 1960 for the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome 6. The metacarpal index is no longer used for the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome due to its low sensitivity and specificity.
Radiographic assessment
At least two methods exist for the calculation of the metacarpal index. These two methods are not mathematically identical, and a statistically significant difference has been noted between them. The first method of MCI calculation is by obtaining the average of the ratios of length / width of metacarpals 2-5.
The second method involves dividing the sum of the lengths by the sum of the widths of these metacarpals.
Values of between 8.4 and 9.4 have been used as cut-off for abnormal values.
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2. Joseph KN, The metacarpal index--obsolete in Marfan syndrome! Skeletal Radiol 1992; 21(6):371-4.
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3. Ha HI, Seo JB, Lee SH et-al. Imaging of Marfan syndrome: multisystemic manifestations. Radiographics. 27 (4): 989-1004. doi:10.1148/rg.274065171 - Pubmed citation
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4. Parish JG. Skeletal hand charts in inherited connective tissue disease. J Med Genet 1967;4:227–238.
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5. Pradhan BB, Bhasin M, Otsuka NY. A metatarsal equivalent to the metacarpal index in Marfan syndrome. Foot Ankle Int. 2005;26 (10): 881-5. Foot Ankle Int (link) - Pubmed citation
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6. Sinclair RJG, Kitchin AH, Turner RWD. The Marfan Syndrome. Quarterly Journal of Medicine 1960; 113:19-47.
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7. Thomas SM, Younger KA, Child A et-al. Is the metacarpal index useful in the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome? Clin Radiol. 1996;51 (8): 570-4. - Pubmed citation
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8. Walker TM, The normal metacarpal index. The British Journal of Radiology 1979;52: 787-791.
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9. Wilner HI, Finby N. Skeletal manifestations in the Marfan syndrome. JAMA 1964;187:490–495.
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