SURFACE ANATOMY OF THE HAND

Markers placed along palmar skin creases of 53 hands radiographically demonstrated creases superimposed on osseous anatomy. The distal and m iddle digital creases were found to be consistently proximal to associ ated interphalangeal joints by 7 to 8 mm and 2 to 3 mm, respectively. Proximal digital creases were consistently distal to associated metaca rpophalangeal (MCP) joints by 14 to 20 mm. Distances between the dista l transverse palmar crease and associated MCP joints were 6.8 to 10.3 mm. Distances between the proximal palmar crease and the associated MC P joints were 9.1 to 22.1 mm. Mean perpendicular distances between the distal wrist crease and center of selected carpal structures or joint s were as follows: scaphoid, 0.7 mm; pisiform, 3.4 mm; lunate, 9.2 mm; hamate hook, 12.6 mm; ulnar styloid, 11.7 mm; trapeziometacarpal join t, 19.4 mm; radioscapholunate joint, 13.5 mm; and distal radioulnar jo int, 21.1 mm. Quantification of these relationships should assist in h and examination and placement of surgical incisions and provide furthe r insight into anatomic and functional relationships of the hand.