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The hidden hero of your finger joints: Do you know which ligament prevents your fingers from overextending?
Fingers play an important role in our daily lives. Not only do they allow us to perform basic grasping movements, they also help us with finer manipulations, such as writing and drawing. However, have you ever thought about the biomechanics behind these movements? In particular, how do the ligaments hidden in the finger joints protect our fingers from overextending and thus avoiding injury?
The structure of finger joints
The joints of the fingers are called interphalangeal joints, which mainly include the proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP) and the distal interphalangeal joints (DIP). These joints are hinge-shaped, allowing the fingers to move primarily in flexion and extension. Each finger has two interphalangeal joints (except the thumb which has only one).
Importance of ligamentsThe mobility and stability of the interphalangeal joints come from the design of their structure and ligaments.
In the PIP joints of the fingers, ligaments are responsible for preventing the joint from overextending. The ligaments here are mainly divided into the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, and the volar plate located on the palm side. On the palmar side of the PIP joint, thick ligament structures prevent the finger from overextension. These ligaments not only provide support but also maintain a normal range of motion in the fingers. When the finger is hyperextended, the ligament may tear, causing what is called a "volar plate injury."
Various ranges of motion
In the interphalangeal joints, the only movements are flexion and extension. The PIP joint reaches approximately 100 degrees of flexion, while the DIP joint has slightly more limited flexion, approximately 80 degrees. As the finger moves, the palmar and lateral ligaments play a vital role in ensuring the stability of the joint.
Clinical significanceIn clinical practice, knowledge about the structure and function of finger joints is essential for medical professionals. For example, rheumatoid arthritis does not usually affect the distal interphalangeal joints. Therefore, arthritis in the DIP joint is more likely to be a manifestation of osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis.
The interphalangeal joints are not just made up of bones and muscles; in fact, ligaments and surrounding structures play an important role in their function.
Future health care for fingers
The health of your fingers directly affects every aspect of your life. Proper exercise and care are essential to maintain finger dexterity and reduce the risk of injury. More and more people are beginning to pay attention to finger exercises, realizing that it is not just about training the wrists or arms, but also about protecting and strengthening the fingers.
In short, our fingers are not only tools for grasping objects, the ligaments and structural designs behind them give them flexibility and stability. And the culmination of it all, are you focusing on taking care of these hidden heroes, focusing on the health of your fingers, and reducing the risk of future injuries?
