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The mathematical relationship between the lengths of the metacarpals and phalanges is important in hand surgery because of its role in determining the lengthening of the tubular bone size or the length of a prosthesis. The purpose of the present study is to perform the measurements on the hand radiographs, and to determine possible mathematical relations between the lengths of the metacarpals and phalanges. The lengths and widths of metacarpals and phalanges were measured in millimeters on hand roentgenograms of 100 normal voluntary subjects (50 men, 50 women) and the results were evaluated with a descriptive analysis test. The relations between the lengths of the metacarpals and phalanges were mathematically investigated on several sets of data. Unchangeable proportions between the metacarpals and phalanges lengths were found and formulated. Because any defects or faults of the hand, especially shortness, can corrected with current improved surgical techniques, a knowledge of the morphometric relations between the lengths of metacarpals and phalanges may be useful for such surgical interventions.

Struthers' ligament syndrome is a rare cause of median nerve entrapment. Bilateral compression of the median nerve is even more rare. It presents with pain, sensory disturbance, and/or motor function loss at the median nerve's dermatomal area. The authors present the case of a 21-year-old woman with bilateral median nerve compression caused by Struthers' ligament. She underwent surgical decompression of the nerve on both sides. To the authors' knowledge, this case is the first reported bilateral compression of the median nerve caused by Struthers' ligament. The presentation and symptomatology of Struthers' ligament syndrome must be differentiated from median nerve compression arising from other causes.

In recent years, the popularity of intramedullary humeral nailing is on the rise in spite of its handicaps. There are many problems in intramedullary humeral stabilization because of the anatomic structure of the bone. We performed various methods and measurements to determine shape, length and diameter and curvature of the medullary canal of the humerus in 57 human dry cadaver bones. Anterior angulation with an average of 21 cm apart from greater tubercle was found at 1/3 distal part. Mean degree of angulation was 9 degrees (max: 15, minutes: 5, S.D.: 2.84). Humerus bones with septal aperture (supratrochlear foramen) at the fossa coronoidea were observed to have very narrow medullary canal. The best point for nail insertion was found to be an area on the line from greater tubercle anteromedially to caput humeri. This study revealed that carefully evaluated structure of humeral medullary canal and various congenital constructions such as septal aperture, and correct selection of a nail with proper length and diameter are essential for successful nailing.