HIPPOCRATIC FINGERS Meaning and
Definition
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Hippocratic fingers, also known as "clubbing," refer to a physical finding characterized by the enlargement and rounding of the fingertips and nails. This medical sign is named after Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician who first described this abnormality around 400 BC. Hippocratic fingers are commonly associated with certain underlying medical conditions, particularly those affecting the heart and lungs.
The fingers in individuals with Hippocratic fingers exhibit a specific set of changes. The fingertips appear bulbous and the nail bed becomes softened and ends up curving around the fingertip. The angle between the nail plate and the nail base, known as the Lovibond angle, becomes widened. Furthermore, the nail itself may appear to be more convex, and it often appears to be floating above the finger, giving a "drumstick" or "clubbed" appearance.
Hippocratic fingers are primarily associated with diseases that cause chronic hypoxia, inadequate supply of oxygen to the body tissues. Some of the underlying conditions commonly linked to clubbing include pulmonary diseases like lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and interstitial lung disease. Cardiovascular disorders such as congenital heart disease and endocarditis can also cause clubbing. Additionally, conditions like liver cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain malignancies are occasionally associated with clubbing.
Diagnosis of Hippocratic fingers is typically made based on physical examination findings, particularly the presence of nail and finger abnormalities. If clubbing is suspected, further investigations aim to establish the underlying cause by identifying any underlying diseases or conditions. Treatment of clubbing involves managing the underlying cause rather than treating the clubbing itself, as it is considered a physical manifestation of an underlying medical problem.
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A bulbous enlargement of the terminal phalanges, with coarse, longitudinally curved nails, seen in heart disease, phthisis, and other affections in which there is defective hematosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HIPPOCRATIC FINGERS
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Etymology of HIPPOCRATIC FINGERS
The term "Hippocratic fingers" refers to a clinical sign known as "clubbing" or "digital clubbing". It is named after the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC), often considered the father of modern medicine.
The etymology of the term "Hippocratic" comes from the Latinized form of the Greek "Hippokratēs", which means "horsepower". It is suggested that this name was originally given to someone with great energy or strength.
The specific connection of "Hippocratic fingers" to Hippocrates lies in his observations and descriptions of patients exhibiting clubbing of the fingers. Hippocrates noted that individuals with specific systemic diseases, such as certain lung or heart conditions, would present with the abnormal enlargement and rounding of the fingertips. Over time, this clinical sign became known as "Hippocratic fingers" due to its association with the observations made by Hippocrates.
