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Finger length points to arthritis risk

The length of a person’s finger could indicate their risk factor in developing osteoarthritis (OA) later in life, a study has found.

The study measured ratios of index–to–ring finger lengths (2D:4D) and correlated them with rates of knee and hip replacements.

In the 11 years following the initial finger measurements, a total of 580 knee replacements and 499 hip replacements were reported from the 14,000 middle aged and elderly people evaluated.

Dr Yuanyuan Wang from Monash University, who led the study, said the findings supported the belief that hormonal factors played a role in the origin, development and resultant effects of OA, and possibly account for gender differences in the prevalence of OA.

Read more at Monash University

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