Middle phalanx, ring finger !
The middle phalanx of the ring finger is its middle bone, between the two finger joints; tendons that bend and straighten the finger attach here.
Official name: Middle phalanx of the ring finger
Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed.
What it is
The middle bone of the ring 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
Between the PIP and DIP joints of the ring finger; its sides are where the FDS slips attach and where collateral ligament tenderness is felt after a sideways PIP injury.
Examination
- Superficialis test for the ring finger: the other fingers are held straight and the person bends the PIP joint alone
- Stress of the PIP collateral ligaments in slight flexion: opening on one side means a collateral ligament tear at the base
On imaging
A true lateral view of the ring finger shows volar plate fragments and joint congruence; the PA view shows small avulsions where the collateral ligaments attach to the sides of the base.
Clinical notes
- Central slip rupture over its base leads to a boutonnière deformity
- Chronic laxity of the volar plate at its palmar base lets the PIP joint hyperextend and the DIP flex, the start of a swan-neck deformity
Development
Ossifies from a shaft centre before birth and one secondary centre at its base that fuses in adolescence.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which tendons insert on the middle phalanx of the ring finger?
The flexor digitorum superficialis slips on its sides and the extensor central slip on its dorsal base.
What deformity follows central slip rupture over the base of the middle phalanx of the ring finger?
A boutonnière deformity.
Which ligament injuries of the PIP joint involve the base of the middle phalanx of the ring finger?
Volar plate and collateral ligament injuries of the PIP joint.
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 anular
- English (TA2)
- Middle phalanx of the ring finger
Related
- Extensor tendons
- FDP tendons
- FDS tendons
- Finger joint capsules
- Finger pulleys
- Flexor tendon sheaths
- 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.
