Batna Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume 13, Numéro 4, Pages 342-349
2026-06-10
Finger Length, Palm Width, And Vertical Dimension At Occlusion: A Correlational Study Among Selected Southern Nigerian University Students
Authors : Oladipo Gabriel . Adheke Oghenefego . Nsofor Adaobi . Baribor Maakai .
Abstract
Background: For prosthetic, restorative, and orthodontic interventions to be successful, accurate VDO determination is essential. However, conventional assessment techniques often come with challenges like invasiveness, reliance on facial landmarks, and variability in landmark identification, particularly in situations involving facial deformities or trauma. Objective: This study investigated the relationship between finger lengths, palm width, and the vertical dimension at occlusion (VDO) among a Nigerian university student population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 300 apparently healthy undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 years from Madonna University, Nigeria. Demographic data of participants were recorded; measurements including palm width and finger lengths were obtained using digital vernier calipers. VDO was measured with the participants in a reproducible, physiologic bite position, ensuring accuracy and reliability through duplicate measurements. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients to assess relationships between hand parameters and VDO, and multiple linear regression models to evaluate the predictive utility of hand measurements for VDO estimation. Results: The study found significant differences in hand measurements and VDO between males and females. Males had a significantly higher average VDO compared to females. Both finger and palm widths for both hands were notably larger in males. In females, palms width was strongly positively correlated with VDO (p < 0.01), while middle finger length showed a moderate positive correlation in males. In the female regression model, left palm width was the most significant predictor, with a moderate predictive power (R² = 0.25), while in males, there was a slightly weaker relationship (R² = 0.18), with the middle finger lengths of both hands contributing majorly to the prediction. Conclusion: The findings underscore the influence of sex and population-specific factors on anthropometric correlations, emphasizing the importance of localized normative data.
Keywords
Finger length ; Palm width ; Vertical dimension at occlusion
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