Phalanx Health Dictionary

The condition in which it is not possible to extend the terminal part of the toe. It is usually due to muscular imbalance but may be caused by congenital absence of the extensor muscle. A callosity (see CALLOSITIES) often forms on the toe, which may be painful. Should this be troublesome, treatment consists of removal of the terminal phalanx.... mallet toe

(buttonhole deformity) a deformity seen in a finger when the central strand of the tendon of the extensor muscle of the digits is ruptured. This results in marked flexion of the middle phalanx across the proximal interphalangeal joint and hyperextension of the distal interphalangeal joint.... boutonnière deformity

a flexion deformity of the fingers (usually the ring and little fingers) caused by a nodular *hypertrophy and *contracture of the *fascia in the palm. The characteristic sign is a nodule at the distal palmar crease or over the proximal phalanx of the finger. The condition is treated by surgical excision of the contracted and thickened tissue. Dupuytren’s contracture may be associated with excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, repetitive hand use, or vibratory trauma. [Baron G. Dupuytren (1777–1835), French surgeon]... dupuytren’s contracture

(finger-flexion reflex) an abnormal reflex elicited by flicking the distal phalanx of the patient’s middle finger sharply downwards. Hoffmann’s sign is positive when there is a brisk flexion response in the index finger and thumb. It indicates an upper *motor neuron response due to a disorder at or above the cervical (neck) level of the spinal cord. [J. Hoffmann (1857–1919), German neurologist]... hoffmann’s sign

n. (sing. phalanx) the bones of the fingers and toes (digits). The first digit (thumb/big toe) has two phalanges. Each of the remaining digits has three phalanges. —phalangeal adj.... phalanges