[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/) › Proximal phalanx, little finger [Skeletal system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/skeletal-system/) · [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/) # Proximal phalanx, little finger The proximal phalanx of the little finger is its first bone beyond the knuckle; the small muscles of the little-finger mound attach to its base. Official name: Proximal phalanx of the little finger [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=upper_limb&select=phalanx_prox_5&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The proximal bone of the little finger. ## What it does One of the finger bones; the joints between them let the finger curl. ## Key points - The abductor digiti minimi and flexor digiti minimi insert on the ulnar side of its base, and the third palmar interosseous on its radial side - Extra-octave fracture: a Salter–Harris type II fracture of its base in children, with the little finger deviated away from the ring finger ## Key facts **Joints with** Metacarpal head (MCP joint), next phalanx (IP joint) **Landmarks** Base, shaft, head (condyles) ## Relations **Above** Head of the [5th metacarpal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/5th-metacarpal/) at the MCP joint **In front** FDS and [FDP tendons](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-digitorum-profundus-tendons/) under the A2 pulley **Lateral** Third palmar interosseous and the fourth lumbrical **Medial** Abductor digiti minimi and flexor digiti minimi ## How to find it Felt along the ulnar border of the little finger, from the fifth knuckle to the first finger joint; the hypothenar muscles reach the ulnar side of its base. ## Examination - Rotation check with the fingers flexed together: the little finger should point to the [scaphoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scaphoid/) tubercle and not cross under the ring finger ## On imaging PA and oblique views show the base and its physis in children; an extra-octave fracture appears as a Salter–Harris II line with a metaphyseal corner fragment and ulnar angulation. ## Clinical notes - Base fractures can rotate the finger: rotation is checked with the fingers flexed together - Scarring between the shaft and the flexor tendons after a fracture can limit active bending of the little finger even when the bone heals straight ## Development Its single secondary centre at the base explains why fractures in children here cross the growth plate, as in the extra-octave fracture; the plate closes in adolescence. ## Related conditions - [Dupuytren contracture](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/dupuytren-contracture/) - [Boxer fracture (fifth metacarpal neck)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/boxer-fracture/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Which muscles insert on the ulnar side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger? The abductor digiti minimi and flexor digiti minimi; the third palmar interosseous inserts on the radial side. ## What is an extra-octave fracture? A Salter–Harris type II fracture of the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger in children, with the finger deviated away from the ring finger. ## How is rotation checked after a base fracture of the proximal phalanx of the little finger? With the fingers flexed together. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/proximal-phalanx-of-the-little-finger/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** phalanx proximalis manus TA2 1277 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Falange proximal del meñique **English (TA2)** Proximal phalanx of the little finger ## Related - [Digital arteries](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/palmar-digital-arteries/) - [A1 pulleys](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/a1-pulleys-of-the-flexor-tendon-sheaths/) - [Abductor digiti minimi](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/abductor-digiti-minimi/) - [Extensor tendons](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-tendons/) - [Extensor digiti minimi](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digiti-minimi/) - [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/) 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. ## **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. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/proximal-phalanx-of-the-little-finger/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/proximal-phalanx-of-the-little-finger/