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# 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

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## 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 points

- The FDS slips insert on its sides and the central slip of the extensor on its dorsal base
- PIP volar plate and collateral ligament injuries involve its base

## 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.

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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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-tendons/)
- [FDP tendons](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-digitorum-profundus-tendons/)
- [FDS tendons](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-digitorum-superficialis-tendons/)
- [Finger joint capsules](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/finger-joint-capsules/)
- [Finger pulleys](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-tendon-sheaths-and-pulleys/)
- [Flexor tendon sheaths](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-tendon-synovial-sheaths/)
- [Finger collateral ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/collateral-ligaments-of-the-finger-joints/)
- [Volar plates (fingers)](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/volar-plates-of-the-interphalangeal-joints/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Bones](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547684/); [8.2 Bones of the Upper Limb](https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/8-2-bones-of-the-upper-limb) (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/); [8.5 Development of the Appendicular Skeleton](https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/8-5-development-of-the-appendicular-skeleton) (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/); Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Articulations of the Digits (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/middle-phalanx-of-the-ring-finger/