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# 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 points

- The fourth dorsal interosseous inserts on its ulnar side and the second palmar interosseous on its radial side
- Ring avulsion injuries, when a ring catches and is pulled, damage the soft tissues and vessels around this phalanx

## Key facts

**Joints with**
Metacarpal head (MCP joint), next phalanx (IP joint)

**Landmarks**
Base, shaft, head (condyles)

## Relations

**Above**
Head of the [4th metacarpal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/4th-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**
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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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

- [Dupuytren contracture](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/dupuytren-contracture/)

## 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.

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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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/palmar-digital-arteries/)
- [A1 pulleys](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/a1-pulleys-of-the-flexor-tendon-sheaths/)
- [Dorsal interossei](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/dorsal-interossei/)
- [Extensor tendons](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-tendons/)
- [FDP tendons](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-digitorum-profundus-tendons/)
- [Finger joint capsules](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/finger-joint-capsules/)
- [Finger pulleys](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-tendon-sheaths-and-pulleys/)
- [Finger collateral ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/collateral-ligaments-of-the-finger-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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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/proximal-phalanx-of-the-ring-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-ring-finger/