Correlation between Finger Length and Occlusal Vertical Dimension in Adult Sudanese Women.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the length of each of three fingers (the index finger, 2D; ring finger, 4D; and little finger, 5D) and the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). If such a relationship were established, it would simplify and facilitate the prediction and reestablishment of the OVD in the construction of complete dentures. The correlation between the OVD and the length of 2D or 5D has already been investigated in a number of studies. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the relationship between the length of 4D and the OVD. A total of 117 adult Sudanese women were enrolled in this study. The distance from tip of the finger to the second crease was measured using a digital caliper. The OVD was established based on two measurements: one from the septum of the nose to the menton of the chin; and the other from the tip of the nose (N) to the gnathion at the tip of the chin (Gn). All data were analyzed using the SPSS program. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between variables. Differences between means were determined using a paired-sample t-test. The p-value was set at 0.05. A significant correlation was found between finger length and the OVD. However, this correlation was significantly higher between 2D and the OVD based on N-Gn. The present findings indicate that 2D can be used to predict the OVD in adult Sudanese women.