Normative Values for Thumb Length in Young Adult Population

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to identify normal values for thumb length with respect to the index finger. Material and Method: Measurements were taken from dorsal and palmer sides of a totally 164 right and left hands of 82 healthy young adults (47 males and 35 females) aged between 18 and 21 years. Measurements of relative thumb length, girth and nail width were performed with respect to the index finger. Measurement values were classified as Thumb Proximal Phalanx (TPP) index and Thumb Digital Crease (TDC) index. Results: Average values of the TPP and TDC indexes were found 0.82 and 0.59 respectively for right hand and 0.74 and 0.49 respectively for left hand. There is no statistically significant differences indicated between right and left hand averages in terms of gender. Average percentage values of thumb length with respect to proximal phalanx of index finder (AD/AB) were found to be 74% and 77% in right hand for females and males respectively; and 70% and 73% in left hand for males and females respectively. Average percentage values of the thumb length with respect to the length of the whole index finger (AD/AC) were found to be 35% and 34% in right hand and left hand respectively. Comparison of the thumb girth and nail width to index finger girth and nail width indicated the percentage values as 132% and 106% respectively. Conclusion: The provided data could help to the clinician’s as to detect pathologies and analyse aesthetic outcomes of reconstructive surgeries intraoperatively and postoperatively.