Middle phalanx, little finger !
The middle phalanx of the little finger is the shortest middle finger bone; when it is wedge-shaped the little finger curves toward the ring finger.
Official name: Middle phalanx of the little finger
Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed.
What it is
The middle bone of the little finger.
What it does
One of the finger bones; the joints between them let the finger curl.
Key facts
- Joints with
- Proximal phalanx (PIP), distal phalanx (DIP)
- Landmarks
- Base, shaft, head; FDS inserts on its sides
Relations
- Above
- Head of the proximal phalanx at the PIP joint
- In front
- FDP tendon between the FDS slips
- Behind
- Central slip and lateral bands of the extensor mechanism
How to find it
The short segment of the little finger between its two finger joints; in clinodactyly the curve starts here and is easy to see with the fingers held straight together.
Examination
- Superficialis test for the little finger: because its FDS may be weak or missing, holding all other fingers straight can falsely suggest a cut tendon; some examiners hold only the ring finger and compare both hands
On imaging
A PA view shows its length and shape; in clinodactyly the bone is short and trapezoid or triangular (a delta phalanx), with the growth plate running along one side instead of across the base.
Clinical notes
- Clinodactyly is usually painless and only cosmetic; an osteotomy, or releasing the bar of a delta phalanx in a child, is kept for marked angulation
- Volar plate injuries at its palmar base are common in ball sports and may show a small bone flake on the lateral view
Anatomical variants
- Short middle phalanx of the little finger (brachymesophalangy), sometimes isolated and sometimes part of syndromes such as Down syndrome
Development
Usually one of the last phalanges to start ossifying; an abnormal C-shaped growth plate along one side makes a triangular delta phalanx that grows into a curve.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which is the shortest middle phalanx?
The middle phalanx of the little finger.
What is the usual cause of clinodactyly of the little finger?
A short, wedge-shaped middle phalanx, making the little finger curve toward the ring finger.
Short middle phalanx of the little finger (brachymesophalangy) can be part of which syndrome?
Down syndrome, among others; it can also occur in isolation.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- phalanx media manus TA2 1278
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Falange media del meñique
- English (TA2)
- Middle phalanx of the little finger
Related
- Extensor tendons
- FDP tendons
- FDS tendons
- Finger joint capsules
- Finger pulleys
- Finger collateral ligaments
- Volar plates (fingers)
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Bones; 8.2 Bones of the Upper Limb (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, CC BY 4.0; 8.5 Development of the Appendicular Skeleton (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, CC BY 4.0; Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Articulations of the Digits (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.
