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The correlation between Occlusal Vertical Dimension and Anthropometric Finger Measurements
Manel Ferjani1, Rim Kallala1, Hana Malla2
1University of Monastir, Research Laboratory of Occlusodontics and Ceramic Prostheses LR16ES15, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia; Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Dental anatomy, Monastir, Tunisia.
La Tunisie Medicale
|April 8, 2026
Summary
Finger length, particularly the thumb, index, and middle finger, can estimate occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) in Tunisian females. This anthropometric method offers an alternative for restoring lost OVD in women.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Anthropometry
- Prosthetic Rehabilitation
Background:
- Occlusal Vertical Dimension (OVD) is crucial for prosthetic rehabilitation.
- Clinicians employ various methods to restore OVD.
- Finger length presents a novel anthropometric approach for OVD prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between anthropometric finger measurements and OVD.
- To assess the potential of finger lengths as predictors of OVD in a Tunisian population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 154 dental students in Monastir, Tunisia.
- OVD measured using a sliding vernier caliper.
- Finger lengths measured from hand tracings; analyzed using Pearson's coefficient and linear regression.
Main Results:
- Mean OVD was 69.69±6.06 mm, with no significant sex-based differences.
- Significant positive correlations found between OVD and thumb, index, and middle finger lengths in females (r=0.270, 0.269, 0.297).
- No significant correlations observed between OVD and finger lengths in males.
Conclusions:
- Thumb, index, and middle finger lengths may estimate OVD.
- Finger length can serve as an alternative measure for restoring OVD in female patients.
- Further research with larger samples is needed for precise regression equations.
