Little Distal Phalanx Anatomy

  • The distal phalanges are very small terminal bones of the fingers and plays a crucial role in fine motor skills.
  • The base of the distal phalanx, which is part of the DIP joint is covered with articular cartilage.
  • The middle phalanx has three basic parts: The distal tuft the shaft or diaphysis, and the base.
  • The concave proximal ends of the distal phalanx articulate with the middle phalanx.
  • The proximal end of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th distal phalanges articulate with the head of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th middle phalanges.
  • Dorsally the terminal extensor tendon inserts into a dorsal tubercle at the base of the distal phalanx.
  • Palmarly the FDP tendon inserts into the palmar aspect of the base of the distal phalanx.
  • The FDP inserts slightly volar and distal to the attachment of the volar plate to the base of the distal phalanx.
Diagrams & Photos
  • Bones of the fingers and hand.
    Bones of the fingers and hand
  • Dorsal anatomic view of the finger bones.
    Dorsal anatomic view of the finger bones.
Key Points
  1. Numerous fascial bands attached in the skin of the pulp to the distal phalanx.
  2. An abscess (a felon) can develop in the fascial compartments of the pulp.
  3. The fingernail is firmly attached to the dorsum of the distal phalanx.
  4. The Landsmeer ligaments, specifically the Oblique Retinacular Ligament (ORL) attach to the dorsal proximal distal phalanx. This ligament helps synchronize PIP and DIP joint motion.
  5. In the growing child there is an epiphyseal plate in the base of the middle phalanx.
  6. The distal phalanges of the fingers are displaced during DIP joint dislocations.
Anatomy References
Anatomic Abbreviations
Hand Surgery Resource Anatomy Diagnostic Guide (Chapter)