Sex and age morphometric parameters of metacarpal bones in preschool children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/SP.2026.1(153).136140Keywords:
metacarpal bones, radiography, children, preschool periodAbstract
Radiographic examination of the skeletal system is a valuable tool for the comprehensive study of growth and maturation processes in the pediatric population. It allows for objective evaluation of age-related morphological changes, tracking skeletal development patterns, and early detection of developmental abnormalities or pathologies.
Aim - to determine the sex and age characteristics and morphometric parameters of the metacarpal bones of the right and left hands in children aged 4-7 years for further assessment of the harmony of the child's physical development.
Materials and methods. A study of the morphometric parameters of the metacarpal bones of the right and left hands was conducted based on a retrospective analysis of 179 radiographs of healthy children of both sexes aged 4-7 years.
Results. The study showed that the most pronounced elongation of the metacarpal bones occurred between the ages of 5 and 6, regardless of sex. In boys, the most intensive growth was observed in the first metacarpal bone of the right hand (+0.34 mm), the second (+0.37 mm), and the third (+0.37 mm). Among girls, even greater growth was found in some segments at the same age: the second metacarpal of the right hand increased by +0.64 mm (the highest value among all measured bones), the first by +0.35 mm, and the third by +0.21 mm. Between the ages of 6 and 7, growth rates declined, indicating the end of the active growth phase in preschool children. For example, the growth of the first metacarpal bone in girls during this period was only +0.07 mm, while in boys it reached +0.16 mm, indicating an earlier completion of the rapid growth phase in girls.
Conclusions. In children aged 4-7 years, typical growth patterns of the metacarpal bones of the hand were identified, with consideration of sex and bilateral differences. The most intensive bone growth occurred at 5-6 years, corresponding to the period of active somatic development. In girls, metacarpal bone growth begins earlier; however, after age 6, growth rates in boys become higher, indicating the emergence of sexual dimorphism in skeletal development. At ages 6-7, elongation rates markedly decrease, suggesting the end of the active hand growth phase in preschool children.
The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution specified in the study. Informed parental consent was obtained for participation in the study.
The author declares no conflict of interest.
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