Radiographic Evaluation of Age and Gender Related Cortical Bone Thinning Using The Metacarpal Index Method: A Lagos Based Population Study

Abstract

A retrospective study to evaluate age and gender related
cortical bone thinning using the metacarpal index (MCI)
method was performed. Study sought to evaluate the effect of
age and gender on metacarpal index. A randomized collection
of 850 (males 436, females 414) dorsi-plantar radiographs of
the left hand performed from 2003-2005 and accompanying
request forms was carried out. The width of the cortex of the
second metacarpal and shaft was measured and used to
calculate the metacarpal index. Values were compared across
age ranges and sex. Result showed a gradual increase in MCI
for both sexes from 20-40 years (peak MCI 57.4±2 and
52.8±02 for males and females respectively at 40 years). A
linear decrease after the 5th decade of life was also observed.
Males showed a higher MCI than females at all ages with
mean values of 53.3±3.2 and 46.21±3.9 respectively. A more
rapid decrease in MCI was observed in females than males.