Investigation of Metacarpal Bone Morphology in Normal-weight, Overweight and Obese Adolescent Subjects

Abstract

Objective: The prevalence of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity is increasing in most developed countries. This study aimed to investigate the metacarpal bone morphology in normal-weight, overweight and obese adolescent subjects at different pubertal stages.

Materials and Methods: This radiographic study was performed in 124 subjects at different pubertal stages. The subjects were divided into three groups based on body mass index percentile: normal-weight, overweight and obese. The second and fourth metacarpal bone cortical thickness, width and metacarpal index (MCI) were measured on left hand-wrist radiographs.

Results: The values of the second and fourth metacarpal bone cortical thickness and width were significantly different among the groups. The second metacarpal bone MCI was significantly different among the groups. Moreover, the values of the second and fourth metacarpal bone cortical thickness, width and MCI in obese and overweight subjects were greater than those in normal-weight subjects. The values of the second and fourth metacarpal bone cortical thickness and width were significantly different in subjects before and after their pubertal growth peak period.

Conclusion: The metacarpal bone parameter in overweight and obese adolescent subjects was significantly greater than that in normal-weight subjects.