Distal Interphalangeal Joint

The prevalence of OA is higher in women, and they have more generalized disease. Women are also more likely to have inflammation of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of the hands, which manifest as Bouchard s and Heberden s nodes, respectively. OA of the hip occurs more frequently in men. 

Psoriatic arthritis is a distinct clinical entity in which both psoriatic lesions and inflammatory arthritis-like symptoms occur. Distal interphalangeal joints and adjacent nails are most commonly involved, but knees, elbows, wrists, and ankles may also be affected. 

Distal interphalangeal joints Heberden s nodes (osteophytes or bony enlargements)... 

Each finger, except the thumb, has a proximal and a distal interphalangeal joint. Because there are only two phalengeal bones in the thumb, there is only one joint. The interphalangealjoints are hinge joints, allowing flexion and extension with some axial rotation. 

The hand skeleton is formed by five rays made of the metacarpal bones and the phalanges and includes three hinge-type articulations that are of US interest the metacarpophalangeal joint, the proximal interphalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joint. 

Fig. 11.26a-c. Extensor tendon tear in patient with drop finger after a blow. a,b Longitudinal 12-5 MHz US images over the dorsal aspect of the distal interphalangeal joint obtained during passive a extension and b flexion movements of the distal phalanx. US demonstrates a thickened and hypoechoic extensor tendon (arrowheads). Observe the retracted tendon end (arrow), which remains immobile over the middle phalanx (MP) during movements of the distal phalanx (DP), c Contralateral healthy side. A normal extensor tendon (arrowheads) is seen inserting on the base of the distal phalanx... 

With the distal interphalangeal joints of three digits maintained in hyper extension, the patient is asked to flex the proximal interphalangeal joint of the free finger. 

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