The correlation between Occlusal Vertical Dimension and Anthropometric Finger Measurements

The occlusion vertical dimension (OVD) is a fundamental parameter in prosthetic rehabilitation. The clinicians use a variety of methods to restore it. In this scope, finger length is a new method to predict OVD in many populations.

This study aimed to check the correlation between the anthropometric finger measurements and the occlusal vertical dimension among a sample of the Tunisian population.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 154 dental students randomly selected from the faculty of dental medicine in Monastir, Tunisia. The OVD was clinically recorded using a sliding vernier caliper. Each participant was invited to put his right hand on a piece of paper to measure the five finger's lengths. The correlation between OVD and the finger length was analyzed using Pearson's coefficient and linear regression analysis through the SPSS version 20 software Results: The mean OVD was 69.69± 6.06 mm. Statistically no significant differences were reported according to sex. OVD was significantly and positively correlated with the thumb length, the index length and the Middle finger length in females with respectively r=0.270 r=0.269, r=0.297. No significant correlations were found in males.

The length of the thumb, the index, and the middle finger could be suggested to estimate the occlusal vertical dimension, and it could be used as an alternative measure to obtain the lost occlusal vertical in female patients. However, larger sample studies are needed to find precise reproducible regression equations.