Radiological analysis of finger length ratio and dimensional profile of finger anatomy morphology

Objectives: The hand is commonly utilized in various daily activities. Hand deformities can cause stiffness and reduced range of motion. Treatment options such as small-joint arthroplasty require precise implant placement and adjustment of implant size based on finger anatomical dimensions. This study aims to determine the dimensional characteristics of finger anatomy among Indonesian individuals, which are crucial for hand reconstruction, implantation, and prosthetic device implementation. Methods: This descriptive observational study used secondary data from hand examinations conducted at Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital from June 2023 to July 2023. The sample consisted of 384 patients. Morphological measurements were performed using the radiology information system application. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: The length of the proximal phalanx ranged from 29.79 to 43.63 mm, with an average of 37.08 mm. The middle phalanx had a length range of 17.05–25.80 mm, with a mean value of 22.17 mm, and the distal phalanx had a length range of 14.88–20.85 mm, with an average of 16.78 mm. The proximal, middle, and distal phalanges in this study were shorter than those reported in previous studies. Ethnicity, measurement techniques, age ranges, and hand positions during radiological examination may be contributing factors. Previously proposed fibonacci-based proportional assumptions did not adequately represent this dataset and are therefore interpreted as secondary exploratory observations rather than validated predictive relationships. Conclusion: The study found smaller finger anatomical morphology than in prior research, with no alignment or finger-proportion conformity. Morphological proportions can be determined using an approximation formula.