Interphalangeal Joints of the Foot

Joe Muscolino

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    • The interphalangeal (IP) joints of the foot are located between the phalanges of the toes (including the big toe).
      • There is one interphalangeal joint in the big toe.
      • There are two interphalangeal joints in each of the other toes (#2-5): proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints.
    • The interphalangeal joints are synovial, diarthrotic, uniaxial, hinge joints.
    • They allow:
      • flexion/extension of the toes in the sagittal plane.

     

    NOTES:

    1. Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints are located between proximal and middle phalanges.
    2. Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints are located between middle and distal phalanges.
    3. Because the big toe has only two phalanges, it has only one interphalangeal joint.
    4. Singular of the word phalanges is phalanx. There is no word phalange.

     

    Dorsal view of the foot on the right side of the body, demonstrating the interphalangeal joints (as well as other joints of the foot).

    Dorsal view of the foot on the right side of the body, demonstrating the interphalangeal joints (as well as other joints of the foot).

     

    Plantar view of the foot on the right side of the body, demonstrating the interphalangeal joints (as well as other joints of the foot).

    Plantar view of the foot on the right side of the body, demonstrating the interphalangeal joints (as well as other joints of the foot).

     

    Medial view of the foot on the right side of the body, demonstrating the interphalangeal joints (as well as other joints of the foot).

    Medial view of the foot on the right side of the body, demonstrating the interphalangeal joints (as well as other joints of the foot).

     

    Lateral view of the foot on the right side of the body, demonstrating the interphalangeal joints (as well as other joints of the foot).

    Lateral view of the foot on the right side of the body, demonstrating the interphalangeal joints (as well as other joints of the foot).