The difference in volume of dominant and nondominant hands

Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine the difference in volume of dominant and nondominant hands of male laborers. This was done in order to determine whether, for a patient with an injured hand, the volume of the unaffected hand could be used as basis for comparison of the affected hand. After measuring the hands of the 263 male laborers, it was found that, on average, the left, nondominant hand was 3.43% smaller than the right, dominant hand. Furthermore, the volume of one hand can be used as reliable predictor of the volume of the other. Graphs have been drawn for both hands, which are used to predict the volume of the affected hand. This enables the therapist to set a realistic and measurable goal for the reduction of edema of the hand.