Where is the distal phalanx of finger?

The distal phalanx of the finger is the distal or third of the three bones in each finger when counting from the hand to the tip of the finger. The distal phalanx has a joint just with the middle phalanx. On the tip of the phalanx is a bulbous tuft of bone that helps give the finger its rounded appearance.

How do I know if my distal phalanx is broken?

Fractures to the finger tip (distal phalanx) are common from smashing injuries to the fingernail. The symptoms of this type of injury may be swelling and bruising to the finger pad and purple-colored blood underneath the fingernail (subungual hematoma).

What is the difference between the distal and proximal phalanx?

The expanded proximal end of each phalanx is the base. The distal end is the head (proximal or intermediate phalanges) or the distal tip (tuft; distal phalanges only). The nonarticular tubercles adjacent to the metacarpal heads and the phalangeal joints are attachment points for the collateral ligaments.

How long does it take for a distal phalanx to heal?

Complete resolution of pain usually takes 4-6 months, although a slight residual swelling is often permanent. Grade I and II injuries are treated with extension block splints, which limit the last 20-30° of extension but allow full flexion of the distal joint.

How is a broken distal phalanx treated?

Open fracture of the distal phalanx often necessitates referral to an orthopedic or hand subspecialist because digital nerve block, wound debridement, irrigation and soft tissue repair are required. Often, soft tissue repair will suffice to stabilize the fracture.

Why is the distal phalanx important?

The distal phalanges are the fingertips. This is why the term terminal phalanges may be interchangeable with distal phalanges. These bones are unlike their counterparts in the finger. Their main purpose involves supporting the sensitive flesh of the fingertip, where a high number of nerve endings are situated.

How long can you wait to set a fracture?

Immobilization. Restricting movement of a broken bone, which requires a splint, sling, brace or cast, is critical to healing. Before applying a cast, your doctor will likely wait until the swelling goes down, usually five to seven days after injury.

What are the 5 fingers called?

The first digit is the thumb, followed by index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger or pinkie. According to different definitions, the thumb can be called a finger, or not.

What is the function of the distal phalanx?

Is it possible to break your distal phalanx?

Distal phalanx fracture – undisplaced Some distal phalanx fractures require surgery and some don’t. Fractures affecting the distal phalanx generally result from a crush injury, such as getting your fingertip caught in a door, or dropping a heavy weight on it.

Can u break your distal phalanx?

Distal Phalanx Fractures The distal phalanx is the most commonly fractured bone of the hand. 5 The mechanism of fracture is usually a crush injury. On clinical examination, the fingertip is swollen and painful. Extensive soft tissue damage to the finger pulp with associated nail bed laceration may occur.

Where are the distal phalanges located in the fingers?

Distal Phalanx 1 What is the Distal Phalanx. A distal phalanx is one of the tubular long bones found in each of the fingers [1,… 2 Where are the Distal Phalanges Located. As suggested by the name, these phalanges form the distal row… 3 How Many Distal Phalanges are There in the Fingers. There is one distal phalanx in each finger,…

Can a closed fracture of the distal phalanx be splinted?

Closed fractures of the distal phalanx may require reduction but usually are minimally displaced and stable, and can be splinted. Open or intra-articular fractures of the distal phalanx may warrant referral. Patients with mallet finger cannot extend the distal interphalangeal joint because of a disruption of the extensor mechanism.

How to describe the destruction of the distal phalanx?

Caption: Figure 1: Plain radiographs of the left foot show destruction of the first distal phalanx.

Which is smaller the toenail or the distal phalanx?

The distal phalanx of each of the toes is smaller and flattened than that of a finger; it also has a rough elevation to support the toenail and its pulp. Also called ungual phalanx. Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 9th edition. © 2009, Elsevier.