The phalanx of the human limbs consists of three parts: the body - the base, the proximal and distal end, on which the nail tuberosity is located.
Each finger of a person consists of three phalanges, except for the thumb (it consists of two). Three phalanges of the fingers are called the main, middle and nail. The phalanges on the toes are shorter than on the fingers. The longest of them is on the middle finger, the thickest - on the thumb.
The structure of the phalanx of the fingers: an elongated bone, in the middle part having the shape of a half cylinder. Its flat part is directed to the side of the palm, convex - to the back side. At the end of the phalanx are the articular surfaces.
By modifying the phalanx of the fingers, certain diseases can be diagnosed. A symptom of drumsticks is a thickening of the terminal phalanx of the fingers and toes. With this symptom, the fingertips resemble a flask, and the nails resemble watch glasses. The muscle tissue that is located between the nail plate and the bone is spongy. Because of this, when pressing on the base of the nail, the impression of a movable plate is created.
Drum fingers are not an independent disease, but only a consequence of serious internal changes. Such pathologies include diseases of the lungs, liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract, sometimes - diffuse goiter and cystic fibrosis.
Fracture of the phalanx of the finger occurs from a direct blow or injury and is more often open. It can also be diaphyseal, periarticular, or intraarticular. Fracture of the nail phalanx is usually fragmentation.
The clinical picture of the fracture is characterized by pain, swelling and limited function of the finger. If there is an internal displacement, then deformation is noticeable. If there is no displacement, bruising or sprains can be diagnosed. In any case, an X-ray examination is necessary for a final diagnosis.
Treatment of fracture of the phalanx of the fingers without displacement is carried out with gypsum or an aluminum splint, which is applied when bending the nail phalanx to 150, the middle to 600, the main to 500. Wear a bandage or splint for 3 weeks. After removing the material, therapeutic gymnastics with physiotherapy is performed. After a month, the disability of the phalanx is fully restored.
With phalanx fractures with displacement, fragments are compared under local anesthesia. After this, a gypsum or metal tire is applied for 3-4 weeks. In case of fractures of the nail phalanges, the finger is immobilized with an adhesive plaster or circular plaster cast.
The phalanges of the toes more often suffer from dislocations in the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Dislocations are directed to the rear of the foot, sole and side.
This problem is diagnosed by characteristic deformation, shortening of the finger or restriction of its movement.
The greatest number of dislocations falls on the phalanx of the first finger, its distal part. In second place are dislocations of the fourth finger. Middle fingers suffer much less often due to their location in the center of the foot. In the direction of dislocation are usually observed in the rear and side. Dislocate before the development of edema. If the swelling has already formed, it is much more difficult to insert the phalanx into the joint.
Closed dislocations are corrected after local anesthesia. If it is difficult to correct it in the usual way, then use the introduction of a spoke through the distal phalanx or the use of a hoe. The procedure is simple and safe. Then they carry out traction for the damaged finger along the length and the anti-traction (which is carried out by the assistant) for the ankle joint. Pressing on the base of the phalanx biased towards the side, the dislocation is reduced.
With chronic dislocations, surgical intervention is needed.