Fibonacci's mathematical sequence predicts functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the hand
Background: Fibonacci described a mathematical sequence starting 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8… where each sub sequential number 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 relations...
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
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Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2021-01-01
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Series: | Journal of Nature and Science of Medicine |
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Online Access: | http://www.jnsmonline.org/article.asp?issn=2589-627X;year=2021;volume=4;issue=1;spage=58;epage=63;aulast=Miller |
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author | Andrew S Miller Rhodri Gwyn Dhritiman Bhattacharjee Louisa N Banks |
author_facet | Andrew S Miller Rhodri Gwyn Dhritiman Bhattacharjee Louisa N Banks |
author_sort | Andrew S Miller |
collection | DOAJ |
description | Background: Fibonacci described a mathematical sequence starting 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8… where each sub sequential number 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 digits. Methods: Two hundred radiographs of the hand were reviewed by three independent reviewers (interobserver correlation r >0.98), and the actual and functional phalangeal lengths were measured. Results: Both the functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the little finger followed Fibonacci's sequence. The index, middle, and ring fingers followed 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 great accuracy. Conclusions: This is useful in many surgical situations (congenital deformities, polytrauma to the hands, and arthroplasty). |
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issn | 2589-627X 2589-6288 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-12-20T10:26:39Z |
publishDate | 2021-01-01 |
publisher | Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications |
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series | Journal of Nature and Science of Medicine |
spelling | doaj.art-95331bf144cd41be9b36472cfdb3530b2022-12-21T19:43:49ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of Nature and Science of Medicine2589-627X2589-62882021-01-0141586310.4103/JNSM.JNSM_65_20Fibonacci's mathematical sequence predicts functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the handAndrew S MillerRhodri GwynDhritiman BhattacharjeeLouisa N BanksBackground: Fibonacci described a mathematical sequence starting 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8… where each sub sequential number 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 digits. Methods: Two hundred radiographs of the hand were reviewed by three independent reviewers (interobserver correlation r >0.98), and the actual and functional phalangeal lengths were measured. Results: Both the functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the little finger followed Fibonacci's sequence. The index, middle, and ring fingers followed 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 great accuracy. Conclusions: This is useful in many surgical situations (congenital deformities, polytrauma to the hands, and arthroplasty).http://www.jnsmonline.org/article.asp?issn=2589-627X;year=2021;volume=4;issue=1;spage=58;epage=63;aulast=Millerfibonaccifunctional lengthsgolden ratiophalanges |
spellingShingle | Andrew S Miller Rhodri Gwyn Dhritiman Bhattacharjee Louisa N Banks Fibonacci's mathematical sequence predicts functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the hand Journal of Nature and Science of Medicine fibonacci functional lengths golden ratio phalanges |
title | Fibonacci's mathematical sequence predicts functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the hand |
title_full | Fibonacci's mathematical sequence predicts functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the hand |
title_fullStr | Fibonacci's mathematical sequence predicts functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the hand |
title_full_unstemmed | Fibonacci's mathematical sequence predicts functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the hand |
title_short | Fibonacci's mathematical sequence predicts functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the hand |
title_sort | fibonacci s mathematical sequence predicts functional and actual lengths of the phalanges of the hand |
topic | fibonacci functional lengths golden ratio phalanges |
url | http://www.jnsmonline.org/article.asp?issn=2589-627X;year=2021;volume=4;issue=1;spage=58;epage=63;aulast=Miller |
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