Abstract: The cortical thickness and area of the 2nd--4th metatarsal bones were measured in 1607cases of normal children and youngsters. Three reJative indices were calculated also. The re-sults demonstrated that cortical thickness and area increase gradually with age. There was difference in development in sex. Cortical thickness appeared two crossesand accorded withthe development of human body. Three indiceshad no notable change in age and sex. It is be-lieved that metatarsal bone as metacarpal bone affords the best measuring area of bone quan-tity and it is suggested that the cortical thickness together with one index is the best method ofjudging bone quantity. This paper will provide basic data for the diagnosis of metabolic bonedisease and the evaluation of growth and development.

Key words: Children and youngsters; Metatarsal bone; Cortical thickness; Radiographic measurement