Proceeding
The ‘Golden Ratio’, Fibonacci and the Human Hand: Is there a Relationship?
Louisa BanksFibonacci described amathematical sequence starting0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5&8…where each sub sequentialnumber is the sum of the two preceding numbers. The Golden Ratio (Phi, Φ=1.618) is the ratio of two consecutive numbers in the sequence. Here we investigate whether there is a relationship between these mathematical sequences or ratios and functional or actual lengths of the phalanges. Two hundred radiographs of the hand were reviewed by three independent reviewers and the actualand functional phalangeal lengths were measured.Both the functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the little finger followed Fibonacci’s sequence. The index, middle and ring fingersfollowed a mathematical sequence related to the Fibonacci’s sequence. We were not able to demonstrate any direct relationship between phalangeal length and the golden ration (Φ). The sum of lengths of the distal and middle phalanx equals the length of the proximal phalanx with accuracy. This is potentially useful in many surgical situations (Congenital deformities, polytrauma to the hands, arthroplasty).