It is the most common type of shortness of digits (brachydactyly), affecting approximately 2% of the population.

[7] Brachydactyly type D is a skeletal condition which exhibits a 'partial fusion or premature closing of the epiphysis with the distal phalanx of the thumb', according to Goodman et alia (1965).

[6] However, as the survey's Arab test persons were mainly recruited from a handful of large and closely related clans living in a particular village, said percentage should be "considered with some reservation".

Cases of short thumbs have also been found in Eastern Nepal for Jirel ethnic individuals from their participation in various epidemiologic studies.

Some studies included taking radiographs of hands and wrists to examine their skeletal structure.