Arch Hand Microsurg.  2019 Sep;24(3):203-209. 10.12790/ahm.2019.24.3.203.

Experiment of Radial and Ulnar Sides Sensory Dominance of the Digits in Office Workers by Fluorescent Material Painting

• Kim HI

• KMID: 2456243
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.2019.24.3.203

Abstract

PURPOSE
The radial side of fingers are thought to be the dominant sensory side. With the development of electronic devices and lifestyle changes, we think this should be re-evaluated.
METHODS
We painted fluorescent material on both hands of 26 office workers. Each finger was divided into the ulnar and radial compartment. We analysed how much fluorescent material remained by comparing two pictures, before and after work.
RESULTS
On the dominant hand, significantly more fluorescent material remained on the radial side of the ring and little finger compared with the other compartment. On the non-dominant hand, there was no statistical difference between compartments.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the radial sides of the ring and little finger on the dominant hand seem to be less useful in modern life and these compartments can be sensibly less important. This observation can be used as a basic data for reevaluation of the sensory dominant sides of fingers and it may be helpful in various hand surgery.

Keyword

Fingers; Sensation; Tissue donors

MeSH Terms

Fingers
Hand
Humans
Life Style
Paint*
Paintings*
Sensation
Tissue Donors

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) The baseline photograph shows each finger divided into the radial and ulnar side. (B) We analysed how much fluorescent material remained after a workday using ImageJ. ① Radial side of the thumb, ② ulnar side of the thumb, ③ radial side of the index finger, ④ ulnar side of the index finger, ⑤ radial side of the middle finger, ⑥ ulnar side of the middle finger, ⑦ radial side of the ring finger, ⑧ ulnar side of the ring finger, ⑨ radial side of the little finger, and ⑩ ulnar side of the little finger.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) A baseline photograph is shown. (B) A photograph after 8 hours of work is shown.

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  Fig. 3 Activities require the use of the ulnar compartment more so than before. (A) Typing keyboard needs sensation of ulnar compartment. (B) Also using a mouse needs sensation of ulnar compartment. (C) Button type lock, or (D) opening a door with a button also require ulnar compartment more than radial compartment. Many electronic devices and machines such as (E) automated teller machine or (F) elevator are controlled with fingers especially ulnar side of fingers. Recently, we use many (G) haptic devices and (H) smartphones which are mostly run by ulnar sides of fingers.

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