Finger

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.