Distal Interphalangeal Joint Anatomy

The DIP Joint provides an articulation between:

• Middle Phalanx
• Distal Phalanx

Ligaments:

• Collateral Ligaments: Provide side-to-side stability.

Tendons crossing the DIP Joint:

• Flexor Digitorum Profundus (FDP)
• Extensor Digitorum

IP joint type:

• Hinge joint
• Synovial joint
  • Synovial joints are specialized structures that allow movement at bony articulations. 
  • Composed of a joint cavity lined by synovium containing bones lined with articular cartilage
  • Structural components contain:
    • Articular cartilage - enables low friction movement
    • Ligaments
    • Joint capsule - Fibrous tissue surrounding joint cavity
    • Synovium - Tissue lining non-cartilaginous portions of joint cavity and is composed of two layers, the intimal lining and the connective tissue sublining
    • Synovial fluid - Joint lubricant produced and regulated by the synovium