Not every hand surgeon uses the identical words to explain hand anatomy and upper extremity (hand and arm) problems. Many surgeons have their own particular and preferential ways that of describing traditional anatomy and disease processes. But, there are some pretty consistent terms, labels, and concepts that you must know when discussing your drawback with a hand specialist.
During this series of articles, I am going to bear some of these terms together with some useful diagrams and shed some light on the common language of hand and arm surgery.
Surface Anatomy
The names of the fingers are as follows:
? Thumb
? Index
? Middle (typically known as Long)
? Ring
? Small
Each finger has 3 main segments:
? Distal phalanx
? Middle phalanx
? Proximal phalanx
The two terms distal and proximal mean "towards the tip" and "towards the body", respectively. You'll be able to apply this terminology to different components of the body, like the foot (the toes are distal to the ankle, or the knee is proximal to the toenail).
The thumb has only two segments:
? Distal phalanx
? Proximal phalanx
Between every of the segments of the thumb and fingers may be a joint. As we tend to develop, the bending of our joints creates skin creases on the palm side. These creases have names you'll be able to see within the image.
The crease between the distal phalanx and middle phalanx segments is named the distal interphalangeal (DIP) crease as a result of it's the most distal of the finger creases (out towards the tip).
The next crease in line as you progress aloof from the fingernail and towards the wrist is the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) crease, between the middle and proximal phalanx segments.
The palm creases are named as follows, beginning distally and working proximally (toward the wrist):
? Palmar digital crease
? Distal palmar crease
? Proximal palmar crease
The most important crease at the wrist on the palm aspect is simply called the wrist flexion crease. It's shaped because the wrist joint bends into a flexed position.
Another essential try of terms used when describing sides of the hand (or even wrist and forearm) is radial and ulnar. These terms are named when the radius and ulna bones in the forearm; the two long bones of the forearm, between the elbow and also the wrist.
Hand surgeons typically describe an injury or downside as being on the ulnar facet or radial aspect of the hand. If you've got symptoms isolated on one facet or the other, this can be valuable info that results in an accurate diagnosis.
Thenar and hypothenar are 2 terms that describe the fleshy mass of skin, fat, and muscle on the thumb facet (radial) and the small finger facet (ulnar) of the hand.
Utility and Application
The most effective method to image the usefulness of those names and labeling conventions is to imagine yourself describing a cut on your hand to a hand specialist on the phone. An correct description could mean the difference between urgent surgery and treatment with a couple of butterfly tapes or Band-Aids.
Here's an example of what you would possibly say regarding your hand, armed along with your new hand surface anatomy knowledge:
I cut myself with a knife! It's kind of an angled cut regarding an in. long on the palm side of my left hand. The cut is between the DIP and PIP creases on my index finger.
If I heard that description over the phone, I might know nearly everything necessary to recommend treatment with the exception of a few clarifying questions.
Do you're thinking that your familiarity with hand surface anatomy and terminology would help streamline your visit with a hand specialist? After all!
See how powerful "knowing the language" will be?
Author Resource:-
Dorish Hill has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Hand Wrist Pain, you can also check out his latest website about:
Carpet Tiles Depot Which reviews and lists the best
Milliken Carpet Tiles
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