Hands of a surgeon: Second to fourth digit ratios in the surgical profession

Abstract

Second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait and a low ratio has been shown to be linked with a heightened visuospatial ability. Surgeons are typically renowned for good visuospatial awareness and this is now a requirement to gain access on to surgical training programmes. We hypothesized that a lower 2D:4D would be found in a cohort of surgeons compared to an age and gender matched control group. Digit ratios were measured in each group and compared. We found that male surgeons had a significantly reduced 2D:4D ratio compared to the controls. There was no difference observed between female surgeons and the female control. We have demonstrated that male surgeons have a significantly lower 2D:4D ratio compared to an age and gender matched control. This would be in keeping with published reports that a low 2D:4D ratio is associated with improved visuospatial ability.