has part has part characteristic of has modifier Short long bone Aplasia/Hypoplasia involving the metacarpal bones Short metacarpal Short metacarpals can involve any of the metacarpal bones, and the affected ray should be specified. The assessment of isolated short metacarpal can be made by viewing the dorsum of the hand when clenched. Note that if metacarpals F2-5 are affected, the correct term is Short palm. abnormal decreased length metacarpal bone