Phalanges of the Foot

Description

Bones of the foot

Foot radiograph with bones of the foot labeled

Name

• Phalanx: singular
• Phalanges: plural

General

• Long bones of the foot located distal to the metatarsals
• Each toe has a proximal, middle and distal phalanx (like the hand)
• Hallux (great toe) only has proximal and distal phalanx
• Each phalanx has a proximal base, shaft and distal head

Articulations

• Metatarsophalangeal Joints
  • Base of proximal phalanges articulate with head of the corresponding metatarsals
• Proximal Interphalangeal Joint of the Toe
  • The proximal phalanx articulates with the base of the middle phalanx
• Distal Interphalangeal Joint of the Toe
  • Formed by the head of the middle phalanx articulating with the base of the distal phalanx
• Hinge joints allow flexion and extension
• Reinforced by plantar ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments

Muscle Attachments

• Proximal Phalanx
  • Lumbricals of the Foot
  • Plantar Interossei of the Foot
  • Dorsal Interossei of the Foot
  • Abductor Hallucis (Hallux)
  • Adductor Hallucis (Hallux)
• Middle Phalanx
  • Flexor Digitorum Brevis
  • Extensor Digitorum Brevis
• Distal Phalanx
  • Flexor Hallucis Longus (Hallux)
  • Extensor Hallucis Longus (Hallux)
  • Flexor Digitorum Longus (Digits 2-4)
  • Extensor Digitorum Longus (Digits 2-4)

Blood Supply

• Dorsal Digital Arteries
• Plantar Digital Arteries

Innervation

• Dorsal and plantar digital nerves

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Clinical Significance

• Toe Fracture
• Toe Dislocation
• Plantar Plate Tear
• Turf Toe

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See Also

• Foot Anatomy Main
• Foot Pain Main
• Physical Exam Foot

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