Morphometric study of the human metatarsals and phalanges

Abstract

Mathematical relation between metatarsals and between phalanges in terms of their lengths and widths in themselves is considered to be significant with respect to its functional and aesthetic roles. The objective of this study is to conduct measurements for determining lengths and widths of metatarsals and phalanges on the foot radiographs and to determine possible mathematical correlations between metatarsals themselves and between phalanges themselves in terms of their lengths and widths. Anteroposterior right and left foot radiographs were taken from 100 volunteers (50 men and 50 women). Lengths and widths of the metatarsals and phalanges were measured in millimeter on radiographs. The mean, minimum and maximum values, and standard deviations of each bone's length and width were studied and data were put into formulation. The results were evaluated by Regression statistical test, and the relation between metatarsals and between phalanges in terms of their lengths and widths was studied. As a result of the measurements, we found fixed proportions between metatarsals in themselves and between phalanges in themselves in terms of their lengths and widths. Knowing these morphometric relations may be useful for performing any surgical procedures designed to manage any defects or imperfections of the foot, chief among them is shortness.

Ankle joint mechanics and foot proportions differ between human sprinters and non-sprinters

“…The plantarflexor moment arms (pfMA) measured in 21 adult males by Maganaris et al [1] were found to range between 4.7 and 6.1 cm. The lengths of the metatarsals and phalanges in adult males have been found to exhibit similar variation, with between-subject standard deviations that range from 8 to 17 per cent of their mean values [2]. While the influence of such structural variation in the human foot and ankle upon function has not received much attention, variation across species is known to correspond to differences in functional demands.…”

Fundamental ratios and logarithmic periodicity in human limb bones

“…Dogan et al. () found evidence of fixed proportions between the length and width of metatarsals and phalanges in the foot. The most intensively studied region has been the human hand.…”

Morphometrical Study of Bony Elements of the Forelimb Fetlock Joints in Horses

“…Some authors have taken their measurements directly from bone specimens using traditional tools such as callipers and rulers (Davis, ; Guintard and Lallemand, ; Nacambo et al., ), while others measured the lengths directly on the bones using standard field‐measurement procedures and an osteometric board (Mcfadden and Bracht, , ). Although the changes in the focus‐film and object‐film distances can lead to the magnification of the objects on the film (Curry et al., ; Walter and Davies, ), several studies have involved the use of radiographs to measure some human and animal bones (Aydinlioglu et al., ; Livshits et al., ; Watson et al., ; Davies and Watson, ; Anthenill et al., ; Dogan et al., ). Many authors photographed horses with skin markers to measure some equine joint angles and bone dimensions (Crevier‐Denoix et al., ; Anderson et al., ).…”