Cortical bone defects at metacarpophalangeal and wrist joints in healthy individuals assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE

We examined erosions occurring in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and wrist joints of healthy subjects using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT).

METHODS

Twenty healthy women were included. The second and third MCP and wrist joints were scanned using HR-pQCT. The number, volume, and anatomical distribution of erosions were measured, and the correlation between erosion number and age was analysed.

RESULTS

An average of 4.0 erosions were found in the MCP joints, 30.8 in the carpal bones, and 7.9 in the distal radius and ulna. Most erosions (69.3%) were <0.5 mm3. Larger erosions (>0.5 mm3) were mainly seen in the carpal bones, with an average of 12.1 in total, especially the capitate and lunate (3.9 and 2.2, respectively). The number of carpal erosions correlated with age, especially for erosions < 0.5 mm3 (R = 0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Numerous bone erosions were identified in the MCP and wrist joints of healthy individuals. Relatively well-defined erosions measuring ≥0.5 mm3 were frequently observed in specific carpal bones, particularly the capitate and lunate. Additionally, erosions <0.5 mm3 showed a positive correlation with age, suggesting that numerous small cortical bone defects may represent age-related physiological changes. These findings provide important context when interpreting erosive changes associated with joint diseases in clinical practice.