2nd and 3rd phalanges of the finger. Osteosynthesis with plate and screws. Short phalanges of fingers

Chapter VII. About the phalanx, its length, depth, etc.
The complete union of the correct number of rows is called a phalanx; the distance occupied by a line of commanders is called the front, face, spearhead, main line, mouth of battle; and people are chiefs, commanders and heads of ranks. The rest of the phalanx, from front to rear, constitutes its depth. The line of leaders and followers, stretched out in length, is called a line, and the one that stretches in depth is called a row. The phalanx is divided into two large divisions along a supposed line passing through its center from front to rear, one of which is called the right wing or head, and the other the left wing or tail. The bisecting line is called the umbilical cord, maw, or phalanx division. In the rear of the main corps of heavily armed troops (forming a phalanx in the proper sense), light infantry is located, and in the rear of the light infantry are horsemen; although light troops and cavalry sometimes occupy different positions, as we will show later. —We will now proceed to consider what should be the relative proportion of heavy troops, light infantry and cavalry, and how to arrange them in proper order. We must also explain by what means, under the influence of necessity, the order of battle can be quickly changed; to which we must add the theory of military movements, and how they apply to each branch of the military.
Chapter VIII. About the number of infantry and cavalry.
Establishing the number of soldiers needed to form an army is not an easy task; for the strength of the army must be determined by the quality of the recruits, and generally depends on the circumstances. Nevertheless, in general it can be assumed that there should be such a number that will be sufficient for various military movements: that is, if we consider it necessary to double the phalanx, we will increase it in any proportion, or reduce it. Therefore, it will always be advisable to form a phalanx of as many people as can be divided in half, down to an individual. For this reason, most tacticians form a phalanx of 16,384 heavily armed, half of this number being light infantry, and half of the last number being cavalry; the number 16.384 allows reduction to one by repeated division by two. It is for this reason that this number is accepted as appropriate. Therefore, since we have assumed that each rank should consist of sixteen people, there will be 1024 ranks in the phalanx.
Chapter IX. Regarding the names of individual units, as well as officials of the Phalanx.
The ranks are arranged in the correct order, each division having its own name. Two rows form dilochia of 32 people, whose commander is called dilochite. The four rows represent tetrarchy and the chief is called the tetrarch, commanding 64 fighters. Two tetrarchies form taxis, consisting of 128 men, or eight ranks, led by taxiarch. Two taxis make up syntagma, consisting of sixteen ranks or 256 men, commanded by syntagmatarch. But some syntagma of 256 people call xenagy, and the commander xenagos. Each syntagma has five supernumeraries - a standard bearer, a rear commander, a trumpeter, an assistant, and a herald. It is obvious that the syntagma must be square in shape, since it is sixteen people long and the same number deep. Two syntagmas, consisting of a total of 512 people and 32 ranks, are headed by pentacosiarch. Two pentacosiarchy are called chiliarchy, which consists of 1024 people and 64 rows; under the command chiliarch. Two connected chiliarchies are called merarchy, consisting of 2048 people and 128 ranks, led by merarch. But some people call this division telos, and his boss telearch. Two telearchies form phalangarchy, consisting of 4096 people and 256 ranks, and its chief is called phalangarh: but some call it strategy and her boss is called strategist. The two phalangarchy make up diphalangy, 8192 people and 512 rows. Some people call this division meros: It's actually a whole wing. Two diphalanges form tetraphalangarchy. - In total, the complete phalanx is thus divided into two wings, four phalangarchies, eight merarchies, 16 chiliarchies, 32 pentacosiarchies, 64 syntagmatarchies, 128 taxiarchies, 256 tetrarchies, 512 dilochie, and 1024 rows.

Phalanx formation
Chapter X. Regarding the rank of the officers of the Phalanx, in accordance with the known merits of each person.
The best and first-ranking phalangar is on the right wing, and the next in order is on the left. The one who ranks third in the evaluation of valor stands with the second officer on the left side, closer to the middle of the phalanx. The fourth is on the right in the middle section with the first officer. Thus, the first and fourth phalangarchy have commanders of the first and fourth degrees of valor; and the second and third divisions have chiefs of proportionate degrees of merit. Now we will prove that the first and fourth divisions are equal in combat effectiveness to the second and third, since the sum of skill and courage is evenly distributed in each. - Merarchi in a similar way will be placed so that he who ranks first in excellency is on the left, and the second behind him on the right in the second phalangarchy, while he who is considered third in merit is on the left in the third division, and in the same way the fourth placed on the right in the fourth phalangarchy. Likewise, the chiefs of the ranks in each tetrarchy are ordered so that the chief of the first rank has priority, and the chief of the fourth rank holds the position next to him. By these means the dilochii have an equal part of the power; since the first dilochia has superiors of the first and fourth degrees, and the second - of the second and third ranks of merit. This is clear from a mathematical point of view; for when there are proportions in four analogous quantities, the sum of the first and fourth quantities will be equal to the sum of the second and third. Now, having four tetrarchies in each syntagma, we reduce each tetrarch to a similar proportion, so that in each syntagma, the commander of the first tetrarchy is placed on the right, and also occupies the first place, and the commander of the fourth tetrarchy is placed on the left and ranks after the first, the commander of the third the tetrarchy is on the right, and is considered third in rank, and the commander of the second tetrarchy stands on the left, and is considered fourth in order. - The same proportions exist in the highest circles of command.
Chapter XI. About the distance between people in open, closed and dense formations.
We must now turn to the space allocated for a fully armed soldier, both in length and depth. There are different proportions. First of all, when people are sometimes placed in open formation, if the occasion so requires, and if they are so built, then each person occupies an area of ​​four cubits; in a close formation he is given two cubits, and in a tight formation - one cubit. Close formation occurs when the commander closes the distance and reduces the length of the phalanx by closing ranks and ranks, which reduces both length and depth, but still leaves enough room for movement. - The shield-to-shield connection, or tight formation, is carried out when the entire phalanx is further reduced in length and depth, so that due to the contact of soldier with soldier, they cannot deviate either to the right or to the left. Closed formation is observed when the commander engages the enemy; dense formation is resorted to when he wants to firmly withstand the enemy onslaught. It follows that when the commanders of 1024 ranks are located along the front of the phalanx in open order, they occupy 4096 cubits, which is equal to ten furlongs and ninety-six cubits; when placed in close formation, they occupy five furlongs and forty-eight cubits, and in dense the formation is two stages and twenty-four cubits.

Open, closed and tight orders
Chapter XII. About the shields and pikes of the phalanx.
The weapons of the phalanx are shields and spears. The Macedonian copper shield is the best. It should not be too convex, and should be eight palms in diameter. The pike should not be shorter than eight cubits, and the longest pike should not exceed such a length that a person can handle it with ease.
Chapter XIII. On the description of fighters suitable for the position of row commander.
It is necessary that the commanders of the ranks, who command all the ranks throughout the entire phalanx, should be selected soldiers in service, superior to the rest in stature, strength and military skill, because this first rank preserves the entire phalanx and is of great importance. Just as a sword produces work with its blade, enhanced by the swing and weight of the steel in the back; - the line of rank leaders can be recognized as the blade of the phalanx, receiving its power, heaviness, and driving force from the mass that presses from the rear. You should also pay attention to the second rank; since the peaks of those who compose it are exhibited along with those in the front; and placed immediately after the latter, it is of great benefit in many critical situations. If the leader of the rank falls or is wounded, the fighter behind takes his place, closing the gap in the ranks and maintaining its integrity. The third rank, including those who follow in succession, are classified accordingly, one by one, according to the strength and valor they possess.
Chapter XIV. About the Macedonian phalanx, and also about the proper length of the pikes.
The Macedonian phalanx was considered invincible due to the nature of the formation itself. Each soldier, fully armed, when he takes up close formation, at the moment of entering into battle, occupies only two cubits. The length of the pike at the beginning of the establishment of the phalanx was sixteen cubits, but now it is actually fourteen, of which two are reserved for the grip from hand to hand holding it, and the remaining twelve project forward. Thus, the pikes of the second rank, four cubits in length, protrude ten cubits from the front rank. The peaks of the third rank project eight cubits to the front; and in the fourth - six cubits, the fifth - four cubits, the sixth - protruding two cubits from the head of the row. The people in the remaining ranks behind do not have parts of the pikes that can extend beyond the front rank. Thus, five or six pikes appear in front of the soldiers along the front; of this there can be no doubt, but it must appear fearful to the attackers, and that each individual must receive an enormous influx of fortitude, bristling around with five or six lances, and supported by men in his rear. And although those who form the ranks behind the sixth cannot reach the enemy with their pikes, nevertheless, by pressing forward with the weight of their bodies, they increase the momentum of the phalanx, and leave no hope for those in the front to escape. There are some who will have the spears in the rear ranks longer than those in the front, so that the spearheads of the third or even the fourth rank may be in line with those of the first rank, and in equally put pressure on the enemy. - In addition, the supernumerary commander of the rear of each syntagma must be a quick-witted person; he must ensure that each soldier in the entire formation maintains his position in the rank and row; he must force any one of them who has abandoned his post through cowardice or for any reason to take it again; and, in particular, if a dense order is adopted, he must force his men as close together as possible; because it gives strength to the whole corps: it is of the utmost importance and for these reasons, not only in front but also in the rear, soldiers must have someone who is equal in rank to the senior officer.

Moving the peak to the front

It was extremely important that the phalanx maintain its shape during battle. As long as she maintained her cohesion, it was almost impossible to influence her; but if one part is strong, and advances on the enemy faster than the other, or, vice versa, if, due to the indecisiveness of the commanders, or for any other reason, some units lag behind, its front will be disrupted and the system will be weakened; and even a small detachment thrown into a gap can cause irreparable disorder. The power of the phalanx was thus balanced in all its parts with the utmost precision. The number of fighters, and the nature of their weapons, and the position of each person in each division were the same as everyone else; but together with physical strength, the moral energy of the army was paid attention to highest clarity. Mental abilities were calculated and each man was classified according to his courage and martial prowess. The commanders were stationed in front, each in his particular position, according to his known merit, and in such relative positions with the other officers as to balance the strength of each part of the phalanx.
The best and first in rank of the phalangarh - the disposition of these and other officers was determined by numerical proportion in relation to the supposed mental abilities; and although at first glance this seems refined, it is in fact fair and should have been accompanied by the happiest consequences. - There are four phalanxes in each phalanx, one of these units will serve as an exemplary example, the rules of which apply to all the others. Four quantities that are equally superior to each other are compared with each other; the sum of the first and fourth will be equal to the sum of the second and third. Thus 1, 2, 3, 4 exceed each other in equal proportion; the sum of 1 and 4 is equal to 5, and the sum of 2 and 3 is also equal to 5. Thus, 2, 8, 14, 20, exceeding each other by 6; the first number 2, added to the fourth 20, adds up to the same as the second and third, namely 22. Let the lines
2=========3_4=========1
represent the right and left wings of the phalangarchy, the officer first in ability and valor will stand on the right wing as 1, the officer next in rating will stand as 2, the third - 3, and the fourth - 4, it is clear that each wing will have commanders whose sum knowledge in the art of war, and whose personal courage will be equal; 4 added to 1 equals 5 on the right wing, and 2 added to 3 on the left wing equals the same amount. The same principle applies equally to all units and divisions, and to the phalanx as a whole.
It must be a matter of great care to know the exact area occupied by the phalanx in open, closed or close formation, in order to select the proper one according to the situation, and in which it can act. the best way. Rough terrain must practically destroy its properties - such as unity and strength, and it seems necessary that the commander should be aware of the space required by each of the three forms in order to be able to occupy such distances as will provide strength to the phalanx and maintain its characteristic shape . Having become entangled among ravines, or swamps, or piles of stones, stumps, or in dense thickets, such a detachment can suffer greatly and find itself in an extremely dangerous situation. The military eye, during the centuries while the phalanx held the battlefields, was intended to serve not to study the extent of the routes, but to survey in more detail the terrain which the phalanx would occupy when formed, and the lines along which it would march. By enabling the commander to pay attention to all these and similar questions, Elian very correctly gives the exact measurement of the space required for such a corps in any of the three predicaments, in which he may find himself, open, closed, dense or closed battle formation.
four cubits. - a Greek cubit is approximately equal to one and a half English feet, which gives six feet (approx. 2 meters) for each fully armed soldier. Considering he was carrying a shield big size, who hung on his left shoulder, half in front and half behind him, and was armed with a pike fourteen cubits in length (equal to twenty-one English feet (approx. 8 meters)), which he carried on his right shoulder, projecting several feet in an oblique direction in front of him, this space was as small as could be allowed to him in marching order.
Two are allowed - When in close formation ( πυκνωσις , pycnosis) a soldier occupies a space equal to three feet. This formation was intended at the moment of contact with the enemy, either to attack him or to repel an attack, but during the actual engagement, close formation was often, if not constantly, resorted to.
One cubit - thick, closed, or tight order, called in the original συνασπισμος , synaspismus, was formed by firmly connecting shield to shield, which to the enemy appeared to be an ideal wall, almost impregnable due to the exposed pikes keeping it at a distance (see Chapter XIV.), while the armor worn by the phalangites protected them from missile weapons. It's true that synaspismus, superimposing shield upon shield, gives us the space allotted to the soldier in relation to the rank, but in the chapter just given, and also from what Polybius tells us (Lib.17.), we know that the soldiers in the ranks stood with at intervals of two cubits, that is, three feet apart.
elbows. - (approx. 2 km.) The space occupied by the entire phalanx when the formation is open is 6144 feet; this, however, refers only to the length of the phalanx, where each of the 1024 commanders of the ranks occupied 4 cubits, approximately equal to one and a half English feet, giving 6144 feet - but, as to the ranks forming the depth of the phalanx, consisting of only 16 men occupying each four cubits, it is obvious that the sum must be 64 cubits, or 96 English feet (32 m.). Multiplying the length by the depth, we obtain that the phalanx would occupy an area equal to 589,824 square feet (65,536 sq. m.) The length of the front would be one mile, one furlong, six milestones and three yards in English measures. In close formation the length of the line will be half a mile, twenty-three poles, four feet, or, in round figures, 3072 feet, (about 1 km) and it is self-evident that in close formation it will occupy only half of this distance, or 1536 feet (approx. 500 m.), or a quarter of a mile, eleven milestones and ten feet six inches.
(furlong - a quarter of a mile. milestone - pole, English measure of length equal to 5.029 m.)
made of copper - It is assumed that Philip of Macedon, when establishing the phalanx, borrowed a lot from the Lacedaemonians, who were instructed by the decrees of Lycurgus to make shields only from copper. Xenophon (de reb. Græc. lib. iii.) admired Agesilaus, king of Sparta, for his efforts to supply his army with splendid weapons and equipment; who appeared only in copper and scarlet robes. The copper shield is easy to clean; it shone when polished; and rust did not accumulate on it. Agesilaus devoted much care to such military decorations that, while in winter quarters at Ephesus, he installed forges and diligently applied all the skills and skills of his armorers, offering rewards and prizes to those who succeeded in their art. We have this fact not only from the testimony of Xenophon, but this is what the more elegant biographer Cornelius Nepos also says - Agesilaus "Ephesum hiematum exercitum reduxit, at ibi officinis armorum institutes, magnd industrid helium apparavit; et quo studiosius armarentur, insigmusque omarentur, pramia proposuit, quibus donarentur, quorum egregia in ed re fuisset industrial." ABOUT He paid equal attention to the education and training of his troops. " Fecit idem in exercitationum generibus, ut, qui ceteris prastitissent, eos magnis afficeret muneribus.”(See Dr. Gillies's Hist, of Greece, vol. 3. book 27.) There seems to be very little doubt that the copper shield came to the Macedonians from the Spartans.
Not too convex - If the shields were made without curves, they would not provide full protection for the body, so they would be convex. Left hand, pushed further, must have held him on too long distance; but too large a recess would probably interfere with the movement of the thigh, and, along the upper edge, come into contact with the face.
In diameter - Οκταπαλαισος , octapalaistos, eight palms in diameter. A palm is usually about three inches, four inches being a foot, and therefore the diameter of the round bronze shield was two feet.
Eight Cubits - Typically expressed in English units this would be twelve feet. Long peaks undoubtedly have great advantages over short ones, but they should not exceed such a length beyond which they are inconvenient to operate. Polyaenus (Lib. II.) mentions the successful stratagem of Cleonymus the Lacedomonian during the siege of Edessa. A breach was made in the walls of the city and spearmen armed with pikes sixteen cubits (24 feet) long were sent there. Cleonymus ordered the rank leaders, or leading rank, to abandon their pikes and grab hold of the long pikes of their opponents, while the subsequent ranks were to move through the gaps and attack them vigorously in this defenseless position. The plan was a success. Kleonymus was victorious.
One need only refer to Chapter V and the notes to eliminate any difficulties that may arise in reading Ch. XIII.
This whole chapter seems to be borrowed from Polybius (Lib. 17th century), from which the text of Aelian differs only in the length of the spears that protrude in front.
The Macedonian phalanx was considered invincible. —We may here observe that any new and significant invention in the art of war, at all times, uniformly ensures victory for the inventors, such as the discovery of gunpowder in this field in former times, or the advantages obtained from horse-drawn artillery in our days. The sooner their enemies accept this mode of warfare, the better, unless they can counter it with a superior invention of their own. The phalanx was, if not invented, then improved by Philip of Macedon, and this allowed him to elevate his kingdom from the state of an insignificant state to one of the most powerful states of antiquity. Before him, Macedonia was oppressed in turn by the Athenians, Lacedaemonians, and Thebans. Upon ascending the throne, the country was ravaged by the peons, and he was forced to pay tribute to the Illyrians; but thanks to the excellent tactical system which he adopted, he liberated Macedonia from the barbarians, and became the head of the league of Greek states. The rise of his son, Alexander the Great, is well known. The phalanx swept away everything in its path; and it was not the Romans themselves who conquered the Macedonians, but unfavorable circumstances which deprived their order of battle of a decisive advantage. When the Romans defeated the Macedonians in three battles, we were able to establish the undoubted causes of each defeat on the authority of Polybius (Lib. XVII.), Plutarch (in his biography of Flaminius), Appian (in the Syrian affairs), and Livy (Lib. XXXIII.). In the first example, Philip II, son of Demetrius, did not bring his entire phalanx into action as he could have done. He entered the field with only his right wing. At the same time, he was victorious against the units of the Roman army that fought with him; but the left wing, being in marching order, was attacked before it was formed and was routed. Flaminius then attacked the rear of the hitherto victorious right wing, which being thus isolated and surrounded, was forced to surrender. - In the second, Antiochus, having entered into battle with Lucius Scipio on the plains of Magnesia, was overly confident in his cavalry, which was soon defeated; he made another mistake by compressing the front of the phalanx, building it thirty-two men deep, rather than the usual sixteen men deep. After the defeat of the cavalry, Scipio, using the narrow front provided by the enemy, attacked him in the flank and rear, surrounded him, and forced him to lay down his arms. This victory was won by Lucius Scipio, called Asiatic. - In the third case, when Perseus entered into battle with Paulus Aemilius, the phalanx at first repelled all attacks, but advanced carelessly and too quickly, entered unfavorable terrain, lost its compact form and broke into small parts, and the Romans, entering the gaps, defeated her completely. See first note to ch. XI.
construction - Elian here hints at a dense order, or synaspismus. See the previous chapter and its notes.
Two cubits is equal to three feet. This is the space between soldiers from front to rear, or in a row; - the distance in the line was only one cubit. See chap. XI.
Two are allocated. - Aelianus and Polybius differ on this point, because the latter says that four cubits are set aside for this purpose, in other words, the pike loses four cubits of its length in the process of being pointed. Both authors may agree thus, if the lance is grasped with the right hand at the very end, the loss will be only two cubits, but if the point of grip is two cubits (three feet) from the end, of course, the loss will be four. In Bingham's time, during the war in the Netherlands, the grip of the right hand was made at the end of the pike. As can be seen from Polybius, as was sometimes the custom of the ancients, the blunt end of the pike was loaded with a compensation weight to balance the length of the weapon. It was called σηκωμα , secoma, libramentum, counterweight. - The oars of the ships thus become more controllable. Without such a device, the oars of a warship would have been very cumbersome. (Athenæus, Deipn. 1. v.)
beyond the front rank - How did the people placed in the rear expose their pikes? We learn from Polybius (Lib. 17th century) that they did not bring them into an attacking position, but carried them bending forward, and were ready to take the place of anyone who fell. The pike, remaining in this position, served, to some extent, to intercept enemy shells, as well as to cover the heads of soldiers stationed along the front.
longer in the rear ranks - This clarification is too ambiguous. The lances of sixteen cubits were found too long to be conveniently used, and so they were reduced to fourteen. This was a concession in the face of experience with longer peaks.

The next important characteristic of the thumb is the shape and structure of the second, or middle, phalanx. We will show that it varies greatly and is a decisive factor in determining temperament. This phalanx has two distinct formations, namely: a narrowed center in the form of a waist () and its opposite, which is fuller and not so graceful ().

I called attention to the significant differences in the characters of people expressed through these two formations. My statement regarding the thin middle part of the thumb indicating the presence of tact has aroused much interest, and since it has been generally accepted by readers, with the exception of some critics, I will here try to logically explain how this occurs.

Firstly, the reader could already be convinced of the validity of my comments regarding the fact that the graceful structure of the thumb indicates the presence of a more developed intellect, and its massive structure will indicate that by nature this person would rather resort to brute force. From what has been said, it follows, therefore, that a wasp-waisted thumb, which is an integral part of refinement, indicates tact as a result of the development of intelligence, while a full and coarse thumb will indicate that its owner will rather rely on the implementation his plan for strength. In general, both individuals will act as they are told by the characteristics that nature has endowed them with.

When the first or nail phalanx is thick and heavy, with a shortened, flat nail, then the subject clearly cannot cope with his passions. All furious, even bestial natures have similar thickenings at the end of the thumb; blind passion completely dominates what remnants of intelligence they may possess. In such people, as a rule, the first joint is stiff, and the combination of both factors results in that terrible stubbornness that makes them lose their temper, committing acts of violence and crime. A flat first phalanx, therefore, whether short or long, indicates a calmer character and the ability to control one's emotions.

When the hand is hard, the natural tendency towards energy and hardness, expressed through the thumb, increases; consequently, a subject who has a hard, hard hand and a well-developed first phalanx of the thumb will be more determined in achieving his goal and in putting his ideas into practice than one whose hand is soft.

A subject with a soft hand is prone to impulsive willpower and cannot rely to a large extent on carrying out his plans.

By studying people with a soft or protruding thumb, one striking feature of human nature can be revealed. These people are rarely distinguished by the high standards of morality that can be found in those who have a straight and hard thumb. The former, in general, are more like those impulsive children of nature who are not aware that they are committing unseemly acts.

So, the following rules can help in studying the most important finger of a person’s hand:

1. A long and proportional thumb indicates intellectual heredity in the family.

2. A short, thick and rough thumb indicates the opposite ().

All fingers are formed by 3 phalanges, called the main, middle and nail. The only exceptions are thumbs, they consist of 2 phalanges. The thickest phalanges of the fingers form the thumbs, and the longest ones form the middle fingers.

The human hand and foot as a result of evolution

Our distant ancestors were vegetarians. Meat was not part of their diet. The food was low in calories, so they spent all their time in the trees, obtaining food in the form of leaves, young shoots, flowers and fruits. The fingers and toes were long, with a well-developed grasping reflex, thanks to which they stayed on branches and deftly climbed trunks. However, the fingers remained inactive in the horizontal projection. The palms and feet were difficult to open into a flat plane with the toes spread wide apart. The opening angle did not exceed 10-12°.

At a certain stage, one of the primates tried meat and found that this food was much more nutritious. He suddenly had time to take in the world around him. He shared his discovery with his brothers. Our ancestors became carnivores and descended from the trees to the ground and rose to their feet.

However, the meat had to be cut. Then a man invented a chopper. People still actively use modified versions of the handaxe today. In the process of making this instrument and working with it, people's fingers began to change. On the arms they became mobile, active and strong, but on the legs they became shortened and lost mobility.

TO prehistoric times human fingers and toes have acquired an almost modern appearance. The opening angle of the fingers at the palm and foot reached 90°. People have learned to perform complex manipulations, play musical instruments, draw, draw, study circus art and sports. All these activities were reflected in the formation of the skeletal basis of the fingers.

The development was made possible thanks to the special structure of the human hand and foot. It is, in technical terms, all “hinged”. Small bones are connected by joints into a single and harmonious shape.

The feet and palms have become mobile, they do not break when performing turning and turning movements, arching and torsion. With the fingers and toes, a modern person can press, open, tear, cut and perform other complex manipulations.

Anatomy and structure of the finger

Anatomy is a fundamental science. The structure of the hand and wrist is a topic that interests not only doctors. Knowledge of it is necessary for athletes, students and other categories of people.

In humans, the fingers and toes, despite noticeable external differences, have the same phalanx structure. At the base of each finger are long tubular bones called phalanges.

The toes and hands are the same in structure. They consist of 2 or 3 phalanges. Its middle part is called the body, the lower part is called the base or proximal end, and the upper part is called the trochlea or distal end.

Each finger (except the thumb) consists of 3 phalanges:

• proximal (main);
• average;
• distal (nail).

The thumb consists of 2 phalanges (proximal and nail).

The body of each phalanx of the fingers has a flattened upper back and small lateral ridges. The body has a nutrient opening that passes into a canal directed from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end is thickened. It contains developed articular surfaces that provide connection with other phalanges and with the bones of the metacarpus and foot.

The distal end of the 1st and 2nd phalanges has a head. On the 3rd phalanx it looks different: the end is pointed and has a bumpy, rough surface on the back side. The articulation with the bones of the metacarpus and foot is formed by the proximal phalanges. The remaining phalanges of the fingers provide a reliable connection between the bones of the finger.

Deformations of the phalanges and their causes

Sometimes a deformed phalanx of a finger becomes the result of pathological processes occurring in the human body.

If round thickenings appear on the phalanges of the fingers and the fingers become like drumsticks, and the nails turn into sharp claws, then the person probably has a disease internal organs, which may include:

• heart defects;
• pulmonary dysfunction;
• infective endocarditis;
• diffuse goiter, Crohn's disease (severe disease of the gastrointestinal tract);
• lymphoma;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• esophagitis;
• myeloid leukemia.

When similar symptoms You should immediately consult a doctor, because in an advanced state, these diseases can become a serious threat to your health and even life. It happens that deformation of the phalanges of the fingers and toes is accompanied by excruciating, nagging pain and a feeling of stiffness in the hand and foot. These symptoms indicate that the interphalangeal joints are affected.

Diseases that affect these joints include:

• deforming osteoarthritis;
• gouty arthritis;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• psoriatic arthritis.

In no case should you self-medicate, because due to illiterate therapy you can completely lose the mobility of your fingers, and this will greatly reduce your quality of life. The doctor will prescribe examinations that will identify the causes of the disease.

Determining the causes will allow you to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a treatment regimen. If all medical recommendations are strictly followed, the prognosis for such diseases will be positive.

If painful bumps appear on the phalanges of your fingers, then you are actively developing gout, arthritis, arthrosis, or deposited salts have accumulated. A characteristic sign of these diseases is compaction in the area of ​​the cones. A very alarming symptom, because this is a compaction that leads to immobilization of the fingers. With such a clinic, you should go to a doctor so that he can prescribe a therapy regimen, draw up a set of gymnastic exercises, prescribe massage, applications and other physiotherapeutic procedures.

Injuries to joints and bone structures

Who among us has not pressed our fingers against doors, hit our nails with a hammer, or dropped some heavy object on our feet? Often such incidents result in fractures. These injuries are very painful. They are almost always complicated by the fact that the fragile body of the phalanx splits into many fragments. Sometimes the cause of a fracture can be a chronic disease that destroys the bone structure of the phalanx. Such diseases include osteoporosis, osteomyelitis and other severe tissue damage. If you have a high risk of getting such a fracture, then you should take care of your arms and legs, because treating such fractures of the phalanges is a troublesome and expensive undertaking.

Traumatic fractures, according to the nature of the damage, can be closed or open (with traumatic ruptures and tissue damage). After a detailed examination and x-ray, the traumatologist determines whether the fragments have shifted. Based on the results obtained, the attending physician decides how to treat this injury. Victims with open fractures always go to the doctor. After all, the sight of such a fracture is very unsightly and frightens a person. But people often try to endure closed fractures of the phalanges. You have a closed fracture if after the injury:

• pain on palpation (touch);
• finger swelling;
• restriction of movements;
• subcutaneous hemorrhage;
• finger deformation.

Immediately go to a traumatologist and get treatment! Closed fractures of the fingers can be accompanied by dislocations of the phalanges, damage to tendons and ligaments, so you will not be able to cope without the help of a specialist.

Rules for providing first aid

If the phalanx is damaged, even if it is just a bruise, you should immediately apply a splint or a tight polymer bandage. Any dense plate (wooden or plastic) can be used as a tire. Pharmacies today sell latex splints that do a good job of fixing broken bones. You can use the adjacent healthy finger together with the splint. To do this, bandage them firmly together or glue them with a band-aid. This will immobilize the injured phalanx and allow you to calmly work with your hand. This will also help prevent bone fragments from dislodging.

Conservative treatment (wearing tight bandages and plaster) for fractures lasts about 3-4 weeks. During this time, the traumatologist conducts x-ray examinations twice (on days 10 and 21). After removing the plaster, active development of the fingers and joints is carried out for six months.

The beauty of hands and feet is determined by the correct shape of the phalanges of the fingers. You need to take care of your hands and feet regularly.

Phalanges of fingers

The phalanges of the human fingers have three parts: proximal, main (middle) and terminal (distal). On the distal part of the nail phalanx there is a clearly visible nail tuberosity. All fingers are formed by three phalanges, called the main, middle and nail. The only exception is the thumbs - they consist of two phalanges. The thickest phalanges of the fingers form the thumbs, and the longest ones form the middle fingers.

Structure

The phalanges of the fingers belong to the short tubular bones and have the appearance of a small elongated bone, in the shape of a semi-cylinder, with the convex part facing the back of the hand. At the ends of the phalanges there are articular surfaces that take part in the formation of interphalangeal joints. These joints have a block-like shape. They can perform extensions and flexions. The joints are well strengthened by collateral ligaments.

Appearance of the phalanges of the fingers and diagnosis of diseases

In some chronic diseases of the internal organs, the phalanges of the fingers are modified and take on the appearance of “drumsticks” (spherical thickening of the terminal phalanges), and the nails begin to resemble “watch glasses”. Such modifications are observed in chronic lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, heart defects, infective endocarditis, myeloid leukemia, lymphoma, esophagitis, Crohn's disease, liver cirrhosis, diffuse goiter.

Fracture of the phalanx of the finger

Fractures of the phalanges of the fingers most often occur as a result of a direct blow. A fracture of the nail plate of the phalanges is usually always comminuted.

Clinical picture: the phalanx of the fingers hurts, swells, the function of the injured finger becomes limited. If the fracture is displaced, then the deformation of the phalanx becomes clearly visible. In case of fractures of the phalanges of the fingers without displacement, sprain or displacement is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed. Therefore, if the phalanx of the finger hurts and the victim associates this pain with injury, then an X-ray examination (fluoroscopy or radiography in two projections) is required, which allows making the correct diagnosis.

Treatment of a fracture of the phalanx of the fingers without displacement is conservative. An aluminum splint or plaster cast is applied for three weeks. After this, physiotherapeutic treatment, massage and exercises are prescribed physical therapy. Full mobility of the damaged finger is usually restored within a month.

In case of a displaced fracture of the phalanges of the fingers, comparison of bone fragments (reposition) is performed under local anesthesia. Then a metal splint or plaster cast is applied for a month.

If the nail phalanx is fractured, it is immobilized with a circular plaster cast or adhesive plaster.

The phalanges of the fingers hurt: causes

Even the smallest joints in the human body - the interphalangeal joints - can be affected by diseases that impair their mobility and are accompanied by excruciating pain. Such diseases include arthritis (rheumatoid, gout, psoriatic) and deforming osteoarthritis. If these diseases are not treated, then over time they lead to the development of severe deformation of the damaged joints, complete disruption of their motor function and atrophy of the muscles of the fingers and hands. Despite the fact that the clinical picture of these diseases is similar, their treatment is different. Therefore, if the phalanges of your fingers hurt, you should not self-medicate. Only a doctor, after conducting the necessary examination, can make the correct diagnosis and accordingly prescribe the necessary therapy.

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Phalanges of fingers

Having studied meaning of nails, proceed to examining the phalanges of the fingers.

The phalanges of the fingers are of particular value - both each taken individually and all together. In fact, they provide us with reliable clues to a person’s professional inclinations, and also speak about the most striking character traits.

Each finger has three segments. The lowest part, the one closest to the palm, is considered the third phalanx, the middle one is the second, and the upper one is the first.

If the lower phalanx of each finger is the longest compared to the other two, special attention should be paid to this. These segments are associated with animal instincts and physical addictions. If they are dominant, their owner is predisposed to live in a world governed by physical needs. He has no intellectual inclinations, nor is he endowed with any spiritual values. He usually has a healthy and strong constitution, and nature itself has made him suitable for hard work. It can be found in all areas of our lives where physical strength and good physique are required. He is not very diligent and cannot hold any responsible position. His character usually corresponds to farm work or any type of work that does not require special qualifications. In a factory, in an office or in a field, he may perform work that does not require a high degree of intelligence, but involves activities pertaining to physical endurance, the ability to withstand great stress and a healthy constitution. He can also be seen in low-skilled jobs - truck driver, goods packer, garbage man, etc. He is hardworking, but needs sensitive guidance and directives. By doing measured, routine work, he can perform his duties quite well.

He enjoys physical comfort and usually has a voracious appetite. He enjoys gymnastics and outdoor life and usually finds hobbies that provide an outlet for his physical energy.

As he tends to exhibit herd mentality, he gets along well with his own kind and, according to his own standard of living and intelligence, he usually proves to be a good citizen, master and friend. Loves family life and home comfort, has difficulty experiencing loneliness.

Although he can often be rude and harsh in his manner, he can also be kind and have a great sense of humor. As long as his physical comfort is satisfied, he is happy.

If all the middle phalanges of the fingers are the longest, their owner, although inclined to enjoy normal physical comfort and good food, is engaged in activities that require a higher level of intelligence, training and education. His choice of work and social connections is predetermined by his intellectual approach to things. Fingers, the second phalanges are the longest, are usually found in professionals, businessmen, scientists, doctors, journalists, in fact, in a number of people who work primarily with their heads rather than with their hands.

One of the most interesting features of the owner of such fingers is that he is smart, active, highly trainable and inclined to study and gain new knowledge. He constantly adds something new to the already accumulated knowledge and experience in his specific field of activity.

His values ​​are equally healthy and constructive. He usually adheres to accepted standards of behavior both socially and professionally. He is receptive, observant and believes that he can create his prestige, social status and earn material values. He can be a hard worker, although he does not devote all his time to work as such. He may love his home very much, be a family man and a useful and conscientious citizen.

If the upper phalanges of all fingers are the longest, their owner is less inclined towards physical things. This is an indicator of idealism and an innate need for devotion to spiritual and moral things. Such a person is sensitive, metaphysically inclined and strives to comprehend some school of thought, philosophy, ethics or religion to which he can devote his entire existence.

Without being too practical, he is very smart and perceptive. He is not inclined to notice his own impracticality, and his ideals so absorb his personality that he often becomes a kind of symbol of a metaphysical and spiritual orientation. Such a person is excellently suited for missionary work or for such academic interests as may relate to moral philosophy or reform work.

He too often neglects physical comfort and, as a result, becomes isolated from society.

Even if he does not retire and continues to live in ordinary conditions, among the noise and bustle, he still lives like a hermit. However, he can have a profound effect on those with whom he interacts.

He does not give free rein to his appetite and can be rather indifferent to the delicacies on the table or to personal close relationships of an emotional nature. He will always strive for simplicity; he is usually ascetic in everything that concerns the physical needs of a person.

While not a very strong person physically, he tends to exhibit insufficient stamina and energy and often suffers from insufficient or improper nutrition. Very sensitive by nature, he is prone to nervous disorders. But with proper care, he can live long enough and maintain his health in perfect order.

Phalanx (anatomy)

body(corpus), the proximal end is the base, basis, and the distal end is the block, trochlea. At the distal end of the nail phalanx there is a nail tuberosity.

basic, average And nail. The phalanges of the lower limb differ from the phalanges of the upper limb by being shorter. On the hand, the longest phalanx is the main phalanx of the third finger, and the thickest is the main phalanx of the thumb. Each phalanx is an elongated bone, in the middle part (diaphysis) the shape of a semi-cylinder, the flat part of which faces the palmar side, and the convex part faces the back side. The terminal parts of the phalanx (epiphyses) bear articular surfaces.

Cetaceans

In cetaceans, the number of phalanges is much greater. This is explained by the fact that in them the diaphyses and epiphyses of the phalanges ossify separately and form, as it were, independent phalanges.

Birds

The hind limbs of birds can have from two to four toes. In four-fingered forms the number of phalanges is usually 2-3-4-5, counting from the inner finger outward, in three-fingered forms it is 3-4-5. A number of exceptions are known: in petrels 1-3-4-5; nightjars have 2-3-4-4, some swifts have 2-3-3-3.

Reptiles

The number of phalanges in reptiles is small, but not constant. However, on the hind limbs of the fossil group Theromorpha, considered to be the ancestors of mammals, the number of phalanges was the same as in mammals. In the aquatic fossil groups of sauropterygia (Sauropterygia) and ichthyopterygia (Ichtyopterygia), which had fin-like limbs reminiscent of those of cetaceans, the number of phalanges was very significant, as in cetaceans. This circumstance indicates that a large number of phalanges serve as an adaptation of the limb to an aquatic lifestyle [ source not specified 2713 days] .

Amphibians

In a rodent Pedetes

Phalanx of fingers

Phalanges (Greek φάλαγξ) are short tubular bones that form the skeleton of the fingers of vertebrate animals, including humans.

Structure

The phalanx is a tubular bone, the middle part is called body(corpus), the proximal end is the base, basis, and the distal end is the block, trochlea.

Human

In humans, each finger, except the thumb, consists of three phalanges, and the thumb of two. These three phalanges are called basic, average And nail. The phalanges of the lower limb differ from the phalanges of the upper limb by being shorter. On the hand, the longest phalanx is the main phalanx of the third finger, and the shortest and thickest is the main phalanx of the thumb. Each phalanx is an elongated bone, in the middle part (diaphysis) the shape of a semi-cylinder, the flat part of which faces the palmar side, and the convex part faces the back side. The terminal parts of the phalanx (apophyses) bear articular surfaces.

In medicine, the following terms are used for the phalanges of the hand and foot:

• proximal (main) phalanx (phalanx proximalis);
• middle phalanx (phalanx media);
• distal (nail) phalanx (phalanx distalis).

Other animals

Cetaceans

In cetaceans, the number of phalanges is much greater. This is explained by the fact that in them the diaphyses and apophyses of the phalanges ossify separately and form, as it were, independent phalanges.

Birds

The hind limbs of birds can have from two to four toes. In four-fingered forms the number of phalanges is usually 2-3-4-5, counting from the inner finger outward, in three-fingered forms it is 3-4-5. A number of exceptions are known: in petrels 1-3-4-5; nightjars have 2-3-4-4, some swifts have 2-3-3-3.

The two-toed African ostrich, which has preserved the third and fourth digits, has 4 and 5 phalanges, respectively.

On the wing, the first and third fingers are usually from one phalanx, and the second from two, but there are exceptions here too. Thus, in diurnal predators, chickens, and the American ostrich, the number of phalanges, counting from the inner finger outward, is 2-2-1; in ducks, bustards and others 2-3-1; in the African ostrich 2-3-2; the cassowary and kiwi have only one finger out of 3 phalanges.

Reptiles

The number of phalanges in reptiles is small, but not constant. However, on the hind limbs of the fossil group Theromorpha, considered to be the ancestors of mammals, the number of phalanges was the same as in these latter. In the aquatic fossil groups of sauropterygia (Sauropterygia) and ichthyopterygia (Ichtyopterygia), which had fin-like limbs reminiscent of those of cetaceans, the number of phalanges was very significant, as in these latter. This circumstance indicates, of course, the importance of increasing the number of phalanges as an adaptation of the limb to an aquatic lifestyle.

Amphibians

The number of phalanges in amphibians is also variable. In most cases, in tailed amphibians (Urodela) the fingers have two phalanges, except for the fourth, which has three, and in tailless amphibians (Anura), the fifth finger also has three phalanges. The accessory fingers usually consist of one phalanx, although sometimes of two.

In a rodent Pedetes the so-called praepollex (prae - rudimentary, pollex - thumb) consists of two phalanges and bears a claw. If we take the first toe of amphibians to be the praepollex and praehallux (hallux is the big toe), then it also turns out to consist of two phalanges.

conclusions

The given figures can be summarized in a table:

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See what “Phalange of fingers” is in other dictionaries:

PHALANX - (Greek). 1) row, formation; among the ancient Greeks: a special infantry formation. 2) a poisonous insect, from the class of arachnids, found in Persia, the Caucasus and other places. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. PHALANX 1) ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Phalanx (anatomy) - This term has other meanings, see Phalanx. Bones of the human left hand, dorsal (dorsal) surface ... Wikipedia

Phalanx - I 1. Each three short tubular bones that form the skeleton of the fingers of the limbs in humans and vertebrates. 2. see also. phalanx II 1. The battle formation of armed infantry, which is a close formation in several ranks (in ... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by Efremova

Phalanx - I 1. Each of the three short tubular bones that form the skeleton of the fingers of the limbs in humans and vertebrates. 2. see also. phalanx II 1. The battle formation of armed infantry, which is a closed formation in several ranks (in ... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by Efremova

Phalanx - I 1. Each of the three short tubular bones that form the skeleton of the fingers of the limbs in humans and vertebrates. 2. see also. phalanx II 1. The battle formation of armed infantry, which is a closed formation in several ranks (in ... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by Efremova

Phalanx - I 1. Each of the three short tubular bones that form the skeleton of the fingers of the limbs in humans and vertebrates. 2. see also. phalanx II 1. The battle formation of armed infantry, which is a closed formation in several ranks (in ... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by Efremova

PHALANX - [from Greek. phalanx (phalangos) joint] anat. each of the short tubular bones that form the skeleton of the fingers of the limbs in most vertebrates and humans (see also Hand, Foot) ... Psychomotor: dictionary-reference book

Distal phalanx - (phalanx distalis) Distal phalanx (phalanx distalis) Foot bones (ossa pcdis). Top view ... Atlas of human anatomy

Proximal phalanx - (phalanx proximalis) Proximal phalanx (phalanx proximalis) Bones of the foot (ossa pcdis). Type of drill ... Atlas of human anatomy

What are the phalanges of the fingers on the hand?

In humans, each finger, except the thumb, consists of three phalanges, and the thumb of two. These three phalanges are called the main, middle and nail. The phalanges of the lower limb differ from the phalanges of the upper limb by being shorter. On the hand, the longest phalanx is the main phalanx of the third finger, and the thickest is the main phalanx of the thumb. Each phalanx is an elongated bone, in the middle part (diaphysis) the shape of a semi-cylinder, the flat part of which faces the palmar side, and the convex part faces the back side. The terminal parts of the phalanx (epiphyses) bear articular surfaces.

In medicine, the following terms are used for the phalanges of the hand and foot:

proximal (main) phalanx (phalanx proximalis);

middle phalanx (phalanx media);

distal (nail) phalanx (phalanx distalis).

Bones of the fingers (phalanx).

The bones of the fingers (phalanges), ossa digitorum (phalanges), are represented by phalanges, phalanges, related in shape to long bones. The first, thumb, finger has two phalanges: the proximal one, phalanx proximalis. and distal, phalanx distalis. The remaining fingers also have a middle phalanx, phalanx media. Each phalanx has a body and two epiphyses - proximal and distal.

The body, corpus, of each phalanx is flattened on the anterior (palm) side. The surface of the body of the phalanx is limited on the sides by small scallops. There is a nutrient opening on it, which continues into the distally directed nutrient canal.

The upper, proximal end of the phalanx, or base, basin phalangis, is thickened and has articular surfaces. The proximal phalanges articulate with the bones of the metacarpus, and the middle and distal phalanges are connected to each other.

The lower, distal end of the 1st and 2nd phalanges has the head of the phalanx, caput phalangis.

At the lower end of the distal phalanx, on the back side, there is a slight roughness - tuberosity of the distal phalanx, tuberositas phalangis distalis.

In the area of ​​the metacarpophalangeal joints of the 1st, 2nd and 5th fingers and the interphalangeal joint of the 1st finger on the palmar surface, in the thickness of the muscle tendons, there are sesamoid bones, ossa sesamoidea.

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Fractures of the phalanx of the finger

Moisov Adonis Alexandrovich

Orthopedic surgeon, doctor of the highest category

Moscow, Balaklavsky prospect, 5, metro station "Chertanovskaya"

Moscow, st. Koktebelskaya 2, bldg. 1, metro station "Dmitry Donskoy Boulevard"

Moscow, st. Berzarina 17 bldg. 2, metro station "Oktyabrskoye Pole"

In 2009 he graduated from the Yaroslavl State Medical Academy with a degree in general medicine.

From 2009 to 2011, he completed a clinical residency in traumatology and orthopedics at the Clinical Emergency Hospital named after. N.V. Solovyov in Yaroslavl.

From 2011 to 2012, he worked as a traumatologist-orthopedist at Emergency Hospital No. 2 in Rostov-on-Don.

Currently working in a clinic in Moscow.

2012 – training course in Foot Surgery, Paris (France). Correction of forefoot deformities, minimally invasive surgeries for plantar fasciitis (heel spurs).

February 2014 Moscow – II Congress of Traumatologists and Orthopedists. “Traumatology and orthopedics of the capital. Present and future."

November 2014 - Advanced training “Application of arthroscopy in traumatology and orthopedics”

May 14-15, 2015 Moscow - Scientific and practical conference with international participation. "Modern traumatology, orthopedics and disaster surgeons."

2015 Moscow – Annual international Conference"Artromost".

Fracture of the phalanx of the finger

Our fingers make very fine, coordinated movements and disruption of these movements can have a huge impact on daily and professional activities. To maintain full hand function, it is important that all finger fractures are evaluated by a physician to determine appropriate treatment. If you think that a broken finger is a minor injury, then you are seriously mistaken. Without proper treatment, a broken finger can cause serious problems: limitation of finger flexion (contracture), pain with minor loads, decreased grip of the hand, whether it is a fracture of the nail or the main phalanx of the finger.

The human hand is formed by 27 bones:

• 8 carpal bones;
• 5 metacarpal bones;
• The 14 bones that form the fingers are called phalanges. The first finger has only two phalanges: proximal and distal. Unlike the rest of the fingers, which consist of three phalanges: proximal, middle and distal.

Fractures of the metacarpal bones of the hand account for 30% of all hand fractures in adults.

Types of finger fracture

• Traumatic fractures are damage to the finger bone due to trauma.
• Pathological fracture - a fracture of a finger in the area of ​​pathological restructuring (affected by any disease - osteoporosis, tumor, osteomyelitis, etc.) Osteoporosis is the most common cause of a pathological fracture.

• Open fractures (with skin damage)

• Fractures without displacement of fragments
• Displaced fractures.

Signs and symptoms of a broken finger

Signs of a broken finger include:

• Pain on palpation (touch);
• Swelling of the finger;
• Limitation of movements;
• Subcutaneous hemorrhage;
• Finger deformity;

Finger fractures can be accompanied by the following injuries:

Dislocation of the phalanx, tendon damage, ligament damage. This may complicate treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of a fracture of the phalanx of the finger

If you have symptoms of a fractured phalanx, you should go to your local emergency room. Where, after examination, radiography will be performed in two projections of the damaged segment. The doctor must determine not only the location of the fracture, but also the type. The bone can be broken in several directions. A fracture of the phalanx can be transverse, in a spiral, into several fragments, or comminuted, i.e. collapse completely.

Treatment of finger fractures depends on three main factors:

• First, is the joint affected?
• Second, is the fracture “stable” or “unstable”?
• Third, is the finger deformed?

If the fracture involves a joint (intra-articular fracture), it is important to ensure that the articular surface is not destroyed and the fragments are not separated, i.e. no offset. In this case, you can do without surgery.

Second, it is important to define a “stable” or “unstable” fracture. The stability of the fracture can be determined by radiographs. A fracture is considered unstable if the fragments are displaced, or the nature of the fracture is such that even after proper reduction (elimination of displacement), the fragments can move over time and remain in a displaced position. The anatomy will naturally be disrupted, which may affect the function of the finger and hand.

The doctor must determine whether there is shortening of the segment or whether the distal fragment is rotated (rotated relative to its axis). The fingers on the injured hand should line up and look the same as on the healthy one.

If the articular surfaces are destroyed or the fragments are displaced, if the fracture is unstable, if there is a deformity that needs correction, then in this case surgery is necessary to restore the normal anatomy of the hand and preserve function after the healing of the finger fracture.

Conservative treatment

If a finger is fractured without displacement, the following assistance is provided: the damaged segment of the hand is fixed with a plaster splint or a polymer bandage, which is lighter and stronger than plaster.

Sometimes an adjacent finger is used as a splint, firmly fixing them together with a bandage. This makes it possible to work with a hand and bend your fingers without fear that bone fragments will move.

If after reposition the fragments have shifted, there is instability of the fracture, a comminuted fracture, or the deformity cannot technically be eliminated, then surgery is necessary. With the help of metal structures, fragments can be fixed in the correct position until the fracture heals completely. If the fracture is displaced, the doctor should try to correct the displacement of the fragments without surgery. This is performed under local or regional anesthesia. If the displacement is not eliminated, then there are indications for surgery. After the displacement is eliminated, the finger is fixed with a plaster splint or polymer bandage to prevent secondary displacement. Fractures of the phalanges heal in 3-4 weeks. During these three weeks, control (repeated) radiographs are taken at 10 and 21 days to ensure that there is no secondary displacement in the cast. After this, the plaster is removed and active development of the hand joints begins.

Surgery

Depending on the type and severity of the fracture of the phalanx of the finger, an operation may be required - osteosynthesis (osteo - bone, synthesis - create, restore), thanks to which anatomical restoration of the damaged structures is achieved.

During the operation, open reposition of the fragments (comparison of broken parts) and fixation with metal structures occurs. And for each fracture, an appropriate metal structure or a combination of them is selected:

pros this method: simplicity and short manipulation time, no incision and, as a consequence, a postoperative scar.

Disadvantages: one end of the wire remains above the skin so that the wire can be removed after the fracture has healed; the risk of wound infection and penetration of infection into the fracture area; long-term wearing of a plaster cast for 1 month; the impossibility of starting early development of the joints of the hand, resulting in the risk of irreversible contracture (lack of movement in the joint) of the injured finger.

Osteosynthesis with plate and screws:

During the operation, access to the fracture site is performed, the fragments are compared and fixed with a plate and screws. The wound is stitched up. A sterile dressing is applied. Dressings are performed every other day. Put the stitches on and remove them.

The advantages of this method: complete restoration of the anatomy of the phalanx; possibility of early development of hand joints; The plaster cast is applied for only 2 weeks.

Cons: as after any operation, a small scar remains.

For deformation of the fingers due to fractures in the article Dupuytren's contracture.

Don't self-medicate!

Only a doctor can determine the diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment. If you have any questions, you can call or ask a question by email.

Phalanges or, as they are also called, salpugs are a detachment of the class of arachnids. In the world fauna there are about 1000 species of phalanges, of which 9 genera and 47 species can be found in the countries of the former USSR. They live mainly in arid and desert areas of the Crimean Peninsula, the Lower Volga region, the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and other countries Central Asia. Salpugs are also common in Spain and Greece. Salpugs are absent only in Australia and Antarctica.

Almost all phalanges are nocturnal predators. They hunt various insects, spiders, scorpions, lizards, etc. Phalanxes run very quickly, even on vertical surfaces.

The “head” of the salpuga is fused with the first segment of the chest. It contains a pair of upper jaws - chelicerae and a pair of lower jaws, which are shaped like legs. The upper jaws are vertical and look like powerful claws. The swollen main part of the upper jaw is strongly muscled. When meeting an enemy, the phalanx assumes a threatening pose. It raises the front part of the body, thrusts the chelicerae forward with open claws. Large phalanges are quite capable of biting through human skin.

How to avoid a phalanx bite

For the phalanx, everyone around them is an enemy. She is not at all afraid of even humans. Therefore, it is worth adhering to some simple rules, the observance of which will protect you from a salpug bite.

Firstly, when spending the night outdoors, tightly close the entrance to the tent, since the salbugs, attracted by the light of a flashlight, can easily run inside.

Secondly, be careful when sitting around the fire.

Thirdly, when entering the tent, check carefully to see if the phalanx has sneaked in with you.

Fourth, bring all your belongings into the tent, do not leave them outside, since by morning the phalanx may enter them in search of shelter for the day.

Fifth, do not try to drive the phalanx out of the tent. You can try or kill it, crush it, which is completely impossible on the sand, or throw it outside with a broom. Perform all these actions wearing thick gloves and tucking your trouser legs into your boots.

Sixth, during the daytime, do not put your hands into rodent holes or turn over stones. Salpugs can hide from daylight in these and other secluded places.

Seventh, be careful when traveling at night with a flashlight. For such walks, choose clothes with long sleeves and trousers, as well as closed shoes.

Eighth, cover the windows in your house with special protective nets and do not leave the doors open. Nocturnal salpugs are attracted not only by the light of a lantern or fire, but also by electric lighting, and especially ultraviolet radiation mercury lamp.

Ninth, when keeping phalanges in a terrarium, do not touch them with your bare hands.

Tenth, exercise special vigilance when traveling to India, which is home to the most potentially dangerous look phalanges

What are the consequences of a salpuga bite?

For a long time, people considered the phalanx to be very poisonous and deadly to humans. However, contrary to popular belief, it does not have a special poison-producing apparatus.

Salpugs bites are very painful, because when they bite, they crush the skin with the claws of their strong upper jaws. In addition to pain, the following may appear at the site of the bite:

• redness,
• edema.

Transparent digestive juice from the mouth opening of the phalanx can get into the wound caused by the jaws, but this juice is also not poisonous. However, when a phalanx is bitten, the damaged area can become infected from the decaying remains of previously eaten insects that remain on the arachnid's jaws. All this can lead to the development of inflammation and suppuration.

There is even a special medical term - arachnoses, which refers to diseases of humans and animals caused by arachnids.

Separately, it is worth noting the type of phalanges that lives in India. Modified skin glands were found in their chelicerae, the contents of which killed 70% of the lizards tested. The effect of this substance on the human body has not been studied.

What not to do if you are bitten by a phalanx

• Do not cauterize the bitten area. Salpugs do not produce poison, and events of this kind only further traumatize the victim.
• You should not cut the bite site for the same reasons that were described in the previous paragraph.
• Do not sprinkle the wound with earth or sand, rinse it with water from natural bodies of water, or apply unwashed leaves and grass to it, as this increases the risk of secondary infection.
• You should also not rub or comb the wound.

What measures can be taken if bitten by a salpug?

If a phalanx is bitten, immediate first aid is required.

1. First of all, you should thoroughly wash the bite with clean water and antibacterial soap.

2. Then you need to treat the wound with any antiseptic. You can use peroxide, brilliant green, iodine, alcohol.

3. You can also apply a gel with antibiotics, for example, levomekol, to the affected area, after reading the instructions included with it.

4. After this, apply a clean bandage or stick a patch to the bite site.

5. In the future, it is necessary to change the bandage every day and treat the wound until complete recovery.

6. To relieve pain, you can use regular painkillers.

If the wound does not heal for a long time, clinical signs of infection, inflammation, or suppuration appear in it, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Interesting facts about salpug and their bites

• The phalanx controls its claws so masterfully that it can even cope with a poisonous and dangerous scorpion.
• Some species of salpugs can jump up to 1 meter in height and reach speeds of up to 2 km/h, for which they are called “wind scorpions.”
• When attacked, salpugs make a piercing sound, reminiscent of a squeak or chirping. This sound is produced as a result of the friction of the chelicerae against each other.

Fortune telling by the thumb

The first thing a palm reader pays attention to is the thumb, since the thumb determines a person’s individuality, so to speak, his strengths or weak sides. The first phalanx (nail) of the thumb expresses will, ingenuity, and initiative. The second phalanx is a sign of logic, clear understanding, reason. The third phalanx - the tubercle at the base of the thumb - illuminates a greater or lesser inclination towards love.
Thus, the thumb gives a general idea of ​​a person’s character, which only slightly changes with the addition of data about other fingers.

The thumb is, as it were, the leader of the other fingers, which must obey it, since it contains the three main engines of life - will, reason and love. There is also an expression: “Gather your will into a fist.” And it did not appear by chance, because it is the thumb that is on top of the others when the hand is clenched into a fist. Therefore, by looking at the thumb, one can already draw a conclusion about a person’s personality.

Let's consider, first, first phalanx thumb Those whose first phalanx is long and highly developed have a strong will, great self-confidence and an extreme desire to improve themselves in something. If the 1st phalanx is too long, then the person has a desire for dominance, expressed in tyranny. If this phalanx is of average size, then the person maintains a balance between the desire for dominance and resistance to it. If the 1st phalanx of the thumb is short, then this will express a lack of will and constancy - this is expressed in the fact that a person can constantly doubt something, not trust his own opinion, and indulge other people. If the first phalanx is too short, this will mean that the person is completely incapable of any resistance, is cowardly, and his mood can change quickly.

Second phalanx determines the logic and reason of a person, how true he is to his views. If the 2nd phalanx is long and strong, then logic and reason will be strong qualities of a person, but if it is short, they will be weak. A very developed 2nd phalanx of the thumb indicates that a person is more in the world of ideas and thoughts than in the realm of feelings; he acts in accordance with what his reason and conviction dictate, but not under the influence of a momentary feeling or mood.

Third phalanx (metacarpal bone) expresses the strength of sensuality. If the 3rd phalanx is too thick and long, then the person submits to the dominance of unbridled passion; if it is harmonious with the rest of the hand, the person will fall in love, but in moderation. If the 3rd phalanx is weak, flat and delicately expressed, then the person has a weakly expressed inclination towards sensual pleasures.

To determine how developed your thumb is, start by placing your thumb (relaxed) along your index finger. If the thumb reaches the middle of the third phalanx of the index finger, then the thumb is well developed; if higher, the thumb is too developed; if lower, the thumb is poorly developed.

A person who has a strong will, which is expressed in the first phalanx of the thumb, and does not have logic, which is expressed in the shortness of the 2nd phalanx, will dominate at all costs. He will constantly desire this, not consistent with his logic and reason. His life will be a struggle in which he will constantly destroy himself and other people.

If he combines both will and logic, he will have to achieve his goal.

If the 1st and 2nd phalanges are the same length and the thumb is in harmony with the length of the other fingers, then this means that the person has a very strong will, which is based on logic. This may even lead to lust for power, but not to tyranny.

The average size of the thumb means that a person himself does not strive for power, but does not allow himself to be pressured, resists any violence.

If the 2nd phalanx of the thumb is longer than the 1st phalanx, then in a person strong point there will be reason and logic, but the will will be weak. Such a person will be a good adviser to others, but he himself will not take advantage of anything.

If a person has an overdeveloped 3rd phalanx of the thumb, then pleasure can become the meaning of his life. But if the 1st phalanx is well developed, then a person will be able to control his passion, which will turn into tenderness. Such a person will love people, family, friends. He can also engage in charity, missionary work, and spiritual service.

Types of thumb

A club-shaped thumb with a spherical shape speaks of a person’s stubbornness. Such people are often irritated, they may have sudden outbursts of rage, and they are prone to despotism and violent actions.

If the thumb is flexible and its first phalanx can bend outward (Fig. a), then this indicates that the person is tolerant of the actions of other people, he has flexibility, diplomatic abilities, and can find a common language with everyone.

If the thumb is strongly curved outward (Fig.b), then this means that a person can always justify himself, even betrayal and betrayal on his part, his conscience rarely torments him, and even if it does, it does not last long.

When the thumb is bent inward (inflexible), this means that the person is very often in a state of nervousness, and he is also stingy.

The “waist” of the thumb indicates that a person is tactful, always restrains himself emotionally in relation to other people, and knows how to care.

If the thumb has a straight shape and is inflexible, then the owner of such a finger is sometimes very frank in his thoughts and statements, straightforwardness is also inherent in him.

The first phalanges of the fingers have three varieties:

pointed,

quadrangular,

spatulate,

Each of them has their own character traits. You should also pay attention to the “knots” - thickenings on the fingers. If the “knot” (between the 1st and 2nd phalanx of the finger) is highly developed, then this indicates a spirit of order, systematic thinking. The other node (between the 2nd and 3rd phalanx) characterizes the love of order in the everyday sense. The first “node” is never alone, but is always accompanied by a second one, but the second one can exist even when the first one is not there.

They characterize a person who is daring, enterprising, boastful, and who is interested mainly in the material values ​​of life. People with such fingers strive for comfort and sensual pleasures. Those with spade-shaped fingers can confidently be called practitioners; they cannot stand any kind of theory. Such people respect physical strength and are capable of craft work and scientific practice. They rarely have a love for philosophy and poetry.

If the spade-shaped fingers do not have “knots” or there are few of them, then we can say about the person that he mainly acts guided by his instincts and feelings. The owner of such fingers learns quickly with practice. He will be able to prove useful in the practical arts and will prove himself quite successfully in applied knowledge.

Knobby, spade-shaped fingers indicate that a person always weighs his decisions. Competent calculation is one of its main features. Such a person can become a good engineer, architect, or military man.

Man with quadrilateral fingers accustomed to order, regularity in his actions, he is organized, prone to reflection and philosophical reasoning. People with such fingers will be able to achieve success in architecture, literature, and sciences.

“Smooth” quadrangular fingers speak of a person who can fall in love with something or become interested in something completely unconsciously, sometimes without any reason.

“Knottyness” on quadrangular fingers indicates that their owner will always think carefully about everything before taking any action.

They characterize people who are inclined towards the humanities and the arts.

“Smooth” pointed fingers indicate abilities for plastic art, painting, sculpting, architecture and poetry. People with such fingers are romantic, can be very religious, strive for freedom, love to receive aesthetic pleasure from everything beautiful, they worship beauty, and are rarely interested in material values.

“Knottyness” on pointed fingers indicates that their owner always strives to know the truth and understand everything. Such a person is very democratic towards others.

FINGERS ARE PLANETS.

Among the gypsies, each finger bears the name of one of the planets and serves as a representative of the properties of this planet.

Thumb - Apollo.
Index - Jupiter.
Middle - Saturn.
Nameless - Sun.
Little finger - Mercury.

So, how can one determine the future and present of a person by the structure of his fingers?

Thumb (Apollo)
Pointed - talent, dependence on inspiration. But if the remaining fingers are not pointed, but of some other shape - superficiality, talkativeness.
Square - sincerity, truthfulness, intelligence.
Indefinite form - thoroughness, commercial abilities, desire for wealth.
Spatula shape - dramatic abilities, quickness of thought, mobility.

Index finger (Jupiter)
Pointed - inspiration.
Square - dreaminess.
With a spatula - a penchant for mysticism and everything mysterious; mistakes and misconceptions are possible.

Middle finger (Saturn)
Pointed - frivolity, gullibility, carelessness.
Square - seriousness, thoroughness.
Inflated - sadness and suicidal tendencies.
With a spatula - gloominess, depressed character, misanthropy, hypochondria.

Ring finger (Sun)
In all its forms, to one degree or another (depending on other signs), it serves as a manifestation of strength, love for family life, and the desire for well-being.

Little finger (Mercury).
Pointed - a penchant for mysticism, cunning, theological sciences, eloquence and foresight.
Square - the ability to experiment, a penchant for invention, the ability to clearly and clearly express one’s thoughts, a logical mind.
With a spatula - a penchant for everything exotic, “out of the blue,” both in life and in science and art. With bad inclinations - a talented thief, forger and swindler.

JOINT LENGTH AND CHARACTER.
The length of the finger and individual joints also has its own meaning in gypsy palmistry. Thus, people who are short-sighted and less observant have a straight and short forefinger. In melancholic people, the fingers of Saturn (middle) take on very large sizes. The size of Apollo's finger (thumb) corresponds to talent and the desire for wealth. The little fingers (fingers of Mercury) are the same length as the fourth finger, most often in people devoted to science. If Jupiter's index finger is longer than the others, pride or religiosity will prevail in life. If Saturn (middle) - predestination, dependence on fate. If Apollo (unnamed) - art or wealth will prevail, depending on the lines. If Mercury (little finger) - science or cunning. If Apollo (thumb) or Mercury (little finger) is longer than Saturn (middle), then art or science will triumph over fate.

JOINTS.
The size and ratio of the finger joints also plays a certain role in hand fortune telling among gypsies. 1st joint means the divine region; 2nd - the abstract area and 3rd - the material area.

INDEX FINGER JOINTS.
If, in comparison with other joints, the 1st joint of Jupiter is long, this indicates inspiration and religiosity.
If the 2nd joint is longer - ambition, pride. If the 3rd joint is more developed and longer - the desire for honor, pride, the desire to command.

JOINTS OF THE MIDDLE FINGER.
The 1st joint of Saturn, long and wide, indicates sadness, superstition. If it is very developed - the desire for death. The 2nd joint, depending on how strongly it is developed, indicates a greater or lesser ability for agriculture and exact sciences, and with straight fingers - for abstract sciences. Lengthening the 3rd joint is stinginess.

JOINTS OF THE THUMB.
Apollo has: elongated 1st joint - an irresistible passion for the arts. 2nd - the desire for self-improvement through work, rationality and logic.
3rd - vanity, the desire to show oneself from an advantageous point of view.

JOINTS OF THE LITTLE FINGER.
Mercury - elongated 1st joint - has a love of science and eloquence. 2nd - inclination towards commerce. 3rd - cunning and dexterity.