One of the digits of the hand. Each finger has 3 phalanges (bones), which join at hinge joints moved by muscle tendons, and an artery, vein, and nerve running down each side. The entire structure is enclosed in skin with a nail at the tip.Common finger injuries are lacerations, fractures, tendon ruptures, and mallet finger.
Infections such as paronychia can occur, and inflamed flexor tendons may cause trigger finger.
Congenital finger disorders include syndactyly, polydactyly, missing fingers, or a webbed appearance due to deep membrane between the fingers; other finger disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Raynaud’s disease, and dactylitis (swelling) due to sickle cell anaemia.
Clubbing of the fingers is a sign of chronic lung disease or some forms of congenital heart disease.
Tumours of the finger are rare but may occur in chondromatosis.
The unique pattern of ?ne ridges in the outer horny layer of the skin at the front of the tip of each ?nger and thumb. The ridges are of three types: loops (70 per cent), whorls (25 per cent) and arches (5 per cent). Fingerprint patterns are used as a routine forensic test by police forces to identify individuals. Some patterns can indicate that the subject has an inherited disorder.... fingerprint
Deformation of a ?nger due to sudden forced ?exion of the terminal joint, leading to rupture of the tendon. As a result the individual is unable to extend the terminal part of the ?nger, which remains bent forwards. The middle, ring and little ?ngers are most commonly involved. Treatment is by splinting the ?nger. The end result is satisfactory provided that the patient has su?cient patience.... mallet finger
Also called snapping ?nger. This is the condition in which, when the ?ngers are straightened on unclenching the ?st, one ?nger – usually the ring or middle ?nger – remains bent. The cause is obscure. In severe cases treatment consists of opening up the sheath surrounding the tendon of the affected ?nger. When con?ned to the thumb, the condition is known as trigger thumb.... trigger finger
This technique shows the relationships between individuals: for example, it can be used to prove maternity or paternity of a child. The procedure is also used in FORENSIC MEDICINE whereby any tissue left behind by a criminal at the scene of a crime can be compared genetically with the tissue of a suspect. DNA, the genetic material in living cells, can be extracted from blood, semen and other body tissues. The technique, pioneered in Britain in 1984, is now widely used.... genetic fingerprinting
Spasm of the blood vessels in the ?nger, resulting in a white appearance. The condition is common in RAYNAUD’S DISEASE but it can be caused by the long-term use of percussion implements such as mechanical road drills or hammers. It is a recognised industrial disease. Treatment is to remove or treat the underlying cause.... white finger
A condition usually occurring in middle-aged people in which the victim ?nds on wakening in the morning that he or she cannot straighten the ring or middle ?nger spontaneously, but only by a special e?ort, when it suddenly straightens with a painful click. Hence the name. In due course the ?nger remains bent at all times unless a special e?ort is made to straighten it with the other hand. The condition is due to a swelling developing in one of the tendons of the affected ?nger. If the tendon sheath is slit open surgically, the condition is relieved. Many cases recover spontaneously if the patient is prepared to wait.... clicking finger
Or toes – see also SYNDACTYLY. A deformity sometimes present at birth, and which tends to run in families. The web may be quite a thin structure, or the ?ngers may be closely united by solid tissue. In any case, separation is a matter of considerable di?culty, because, if the web is simply divided, it heals up as before. A special operation is necessary, consisting in turning back a ?ap of the web upon each of the united ?ngers, or some other device to produce healing in the new position.... webbed fingers
Thickening or widening of the fingertips caused by tumour or other permanent congestion, heart or lung trouble. See: HEART DISEASE, TUBERCULOSIS, CHRONIC LUNG COMPLAINTS. ... drumstick fingers
a test for *ataxia or cerebral lesions. Using the index finger, the patient alternately touches his or her nose and then the examiner’s finger, which is shifted to a new position for each of the patient’s movements. The test is positive if the patient misses a target or develops a tremor as the target is approached (intention tremor).... finger–nose test
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