Proximal phalanx, ring finger !
The proximal phalanx of the ring finger is its first bone beyond the knuckle; small hand muscles on each side move the finger sideways.
Official name: Proximal phalanx of the ring finger
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What it is
The proximal 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
- Metacarpal head (MCP joint), next phalanx (IP joint)
- Landmarks
- Base, shaft, head (condyles)
Relations
- Above
- Head of the 4th metacarpal at the MCP joint
- In front
- FDS and FDP tendons under the A2 pulley
- Lateral
- Second palmar interosseous and the third lumbrical
- Medial
- Fourth dorsal interosseous
How to find it
The bone that a ring sits on: the soft tissue around its shaft is where a tight ring constricts after swelling and where a ring avulsion strips the skin and vessels.
Examination
- Finger cascade with the fingers half-bent: a rotated fracture makes the ring finger scissor under the middle or little finger
On imaging
PA, oblique and lateral views of the ring finger; on a plain lateral of the whole hand the fingers overlap, so a lateral view of the isolated finger is needed.
Clinical notes
- Shaft fractures angulate apex palmar and can rotate the ring finger under its neighbours
- Ring avulsion injuries are graded by circulation and by bone and tendon damage (Urbaniak); a complete degloving may need replantation or amputation
Development
A primary centre in the shaft before birth and a secondary centre at its base, with a growth plate that closes in adolescence.
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which interossei insert on the proximal phalanx of the ring finger?
The fourth dorsal interosseous on its ulnar side and the second palmar interosseous on its radial side.
What injury damages soft tissues and vessels around the proximal phalanx of the ring finger when a ring catches?
A ring avulsion injury.
How do shaft fractures of the proximal phalanx of the ring finger displace?
They angulate apex palmar and can rotate the ring finger under its neighbours.
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 anular
- English (TA2)
- Proximal phalanx of the ring finger
Related
- Digital arteries
- A1 pulleys
- Dorsal interossei
- Extensor tendons
- FDP tendons
- Finger joint capsules
- Finger pulleys
- Finger collateral ligaments
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.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
