Washington -- People whose index finger is shorter than their ring finger are at higher risk of osteoarthritis (OA), according to a new study released on Friday.
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People whose index finger is shorter than their ring finger are at higher risk of osteoarthritis, according to a new study released on Friday. (file)
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A study of more than 2,000 people, published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, suggests that people -- particularly among women -- whose index finger is shorter than their ring finger are up to twice as likely to suffer from the condition, which is the most common form of arthritis.
Index to ring finger length ratio (referred to as 2D:4D) is a trait known for its differences between the sexes. Men typically have shorter second than fourth digits; in women, these fingers tend to be about equal in length. Previous studies had linked smaller ratio to athletic and sexual prowess. And now researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered that arthritis could be connected to the fingers.
Professor Michael Doherty, lead researcher, said, "The 2D:4D length ratio appears to be a new risk factor for the development of OA. Specifically, women with the "male" pattern of 2D:4D length ratio -- that is, ring finger relatively longer than the index finger -- are more likely to develop knee OA."
As the first study to examine the relationship between 2D:4D length ratio and OA, it also raises questions. "The underlying mechanism of the risk is unclear," Doherty stressed, "and merits further exploration."