Relationship between the Second to Fourth Finger Length Ratio and Calcaneus Quantitative Ultrasound

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the relationship between the ratio of the length of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D value) and the speed of sound of the calcaneus by quantitative ultrasound (QUS-SOS) in undergraduate female students. We recruited 138 young women with a mean age of 19.6 ± 1.4 years. The participants’ calcaneus QUS-SOS was measured using an ultrasound bone densitometer. We also measured the participants’ weight, height, and grip strength. A self-reported questionnaire was used to obtain information on participants’ secondary sexual characteristics, and exercise habits. The present study showed that the 2D:4D value of both hands was significantly correlated with the calcaneus QUS-SOS. The 2D:4D value of the left hand was also positively associated with the calcaneus QUS-SOS results in several respects. These findings suggest that the 2D:4D value may be useful for the screening of risk for a low bone quality in undergraduate female students.