Base Of The Proximal Phalanx In Anterior View

Description

Base of the proximal phalanx is oriented toward the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, and in anterior (palmar) view its broad proximal articular surface faces proximally to receive the convex head of the metacarpal. The marginal rims of this articular facet form medial and lateral lips that frame the joint line, with the nonarticular cortex tapering distally into the shaft. Subtle roughening at the palmar base marks capsular and fibrocartilaginous attachments adjacent to the articular margin. Bone contours are the story. Fractures and avulsion injuries at the base of the proximal phalanx can disrupt MCP congruity, and even small step-offs across this proximal articular surface may translate into painful loss of flexion or early post-traumatic arthritis. Palmar detail matters because the volar plate anchors to the base of the proximal phalanx and resists hyperextension at the MCP joint, while the interossei also take partial insertion near the base, relationships that are often discussed when teaching sagittal band imbalance, collateral ligament injury patterns, or operative exposure for intra-articular base fractures. The fixed anterior perspective emphasizes the joint-facing geometry and the transition from articular cartilage margin to cortical bone, which is what you need when explaining why reduction must restore the concave receiving surface rather than the metacarpal head. Hand anatomy courses, orthopaedic teaching files, and surgical atlases for MCP fracture-dislocations can all place this illustration alongside radiographs or CT reconstructions to correlate surface anatomy with imaging findings and fixation strategy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.