title: Metacarpal descent, definition and normal range.
abstract: Metacarpal descent, an indication of carpometacarpal (CMC) joint mobility, was measured in 90 normal subjects by assessing the alignment of the metacarpal heads with the hand in a relaxed posture and when making a tight fist. Metacarpal descent was greater in women. Hand dominance was associated with an increase in positional angles but not metacarpal descent.
authors.affiliation: West Midlands Regional Unit for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wordsley Hospital, Stream Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands, UK. saratucker@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Tucker
authors.forename: O G
authors.initials: OG
authors.lastname: Titley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D014894:Weights and Measures