Measuring radiographic bone density and irregularity in normal hands.

This paper describes a method of measuring the radiographic density of the proximal phalanges and metacarpals using a television image analyser. The site for measurement is highly definable and covers the majority of the middle 2/4ths of these bones. Measurements yield two figures; one for mean bone density and one for the density distribution factor (irregularity). Thirty pairs of normal female hands were radiographed and measured. Variations of density and irregularity bone by bone, with age and with dominance are described.