The three bones in each finger are named according to their relationship to the palm of the hand. The first bone, closest to the palm, is the proximal phalange; the second bone is the middle phalange; and the smallest and farthest from the hand is the distal phalange.

The bones in our fingers and thumb are called phalanges. Each finger has 3 phalanges separated by two interphalangeal joints, except for the thumb, which only has 2 phalanges and one interphalangeal joint. The first joint close to the knuckle joint is called the proximal interphalangeal joint or PIP joint.

People, including you I suspect, normally have ten fingers and ten toes. Numbered 1–5 from the thumb to the little finger and from the great toe to the little toe. The thumb and the great toe are specialized fingers and toes.

It’s really not uncommon for human babies to be born with extra fingers or toes. The mutation is called polydactyly, and around one in 500 babies has it. These extra digits are considered useless, and usually amputated not long after birth – but as new research has shown, they may not be quite so bad after all.

pollex

The thumb is often thought of being the strongest because it is opposable and we think it’s flexor is strong but the flexors in the other fingers are just as strong. The thumb without the other fingers to oppose it is, well, weak and pretty much useless.

Generally the thumb, index and middle fingers are more efficient in tasks that require precision, while the ring and small fingers are important supplements to a grip. In general, it is the small finger that is the weakest.

Depending on how it’s measured, it is most commonly agreed upon that the index or middle finger is the strongest on the human hand. The index finger can exert the most straight strength- enough to support the entire body. But, the middle finger can exert the most arched strength due to its length and position.

Stick your pinkies out and raise your glasses for a toast to the fifth finger. Without it, your hand would be half as strong. “You’d lose 50 percent of your hand strength, easily,” Laurie Rogers, a certified hand therapist in Washington, told the New York Times.

Never. We’re probably stuck with our appendix, pinky toes, tailbone and just about all of our other evolutionary holdovers. Wisdom teeth may eventually go, but major changes like losing an appendage (teeth included) take millions and millions of years — who knows if humans will even be around that long.

Losing a finger certainly can qualify as a disability, as you clearly would not have all of the same physical skills as someone with all of their digits. No matter which finger is lost, you may be able to qualify for compensation and assistance.

Why is a thumb worth more than a finger?

Even if replantation isn’t possible, fingertip amputations can still heal well on their own. With proper wound care after surgery, an amputated fingertip can still maintain a good deal of its previous appearance and function, depending on how far down the amputation extends.

Depending on the finger and whether it is partial or full, the prices of prosthetic fingers can vary anywhere from as little as $5,000 for a partial finger to as much as $70,000 for a technologically advanced finger that can move as you could naturally.

A product as unique as you are If you are looking for a natural, custom prosthetic system, then a Custom silicone hand or finger prosthesis is your best option. Whether you are shaking hands or giving a presentation, you’ll feel comfortable and confident with your prosthesis.

In artificial joint replacement of the finger, a surgeon removes one or more of the joints in your finger and replaces them with an artificial joint. There are two finger joints that can be replaced: The PIP joint is the second joint from the end of your finger.

Modern surgical techniques have allowed doctors to reattach fingers with high rates of success. In fact, about 70 percent of reattached fingers are successful, meaning the finger is viable.

If you have a severed finger you must get emergency medical treatment immediately. An injured or severed finger can lead to problems with your hand function. The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends these steps if you’ve cut part or your whole finger off.

In general, for a fingertip injury to grow back, the injury must occur beyond where the nail starts, and some deformity of the tip of the finger will generally persist. But hand surgeons have long known that a cut-off fingertip can regain much of the normal feel, shape, and appearance.

A severed finger can survive for at least 12 hours in a warm environment and up to a couple of days if refrigerated. Some reports indicate that body parts can survive for as many as four days before being reattached.