Reliable identification of isolated sheep and goat phalanges is challenging because of the close skeletal similarity between these species and the repeated arrangement of homologous digital bones across the forelimbs, hindlimbs, and medial-lateral positions. This study evaluated three-dimensional phalangeal shape for discrimination between 12-month-old male Hamdani sheep and Hair goats and for localization among the sampled anatomical positions. Proximal phalanx (P1), middle phalanx (P2), and distal phalanx (P3) from 30 male Hamdani sheep (Ovis aries) and 30 male Hair goats (Capra hircus), all 12 months of age, were analysed. Bone-specific configurations of 60, 77, and 60 surface pseudolandmarks were used for P1, P2, and P3, respectively. Three-dimensional shape provided substantially greater diagnostic information than centroid size. Shape-only species classification reached 98.3% for P1, 98.3% for P2, and 100% for P3, whereas forelimb-hindlimb classification reached 100%, 98.3%, and 96.2%, respectively. P1 provided the strongest discrimination among the four sampled compound anatomical positions, achieving 91.1% internal classification accuracy. Size-only classification accuracy ranged from 48.5% to 58.6%, compared with 98.3-100.0% for shape-only models. P2 showed the largest adjusted breed-species effect in the animal-mean analysis (partial R2 = 0.421), whereas P3 yielded the highest internal species-classification accuracy (100.0%) and the largest descriptive sheep-goat mean-shape distance within its own phalanx-specific shape space. Importantly, P3 showed no significant interspecific centroid-size difference despite perfect shape-based species classification, demonstrating that its diagnostic signal was primarily geometric rather than size-dependent. Overall, the results revealed a phalanx-specific diagnostic pattern within the present reference sample: P3 yielded the highest observed breed-species classification accuracy, whereas P1 provided the strongest discrimination of limb region and the four sampled compound anatomical positions. These findings support discrimination within the present modern reference sample; independent validation across other breeds, both sexes, different ages, and archaeological specimens of molecularly confirmed taxon is required before routine application.

Most dorsal proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint dislocations can be reduced closed, but soft-tissue entrapment may prevent reduction. We report 2 open dorsal PIP joint dislocations in which the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon was displaced ulnarly. In both cases, the joint remained irreducible after the FDP tendon was restored to its normal volar position. In case 1, the ulnar condyle of the proximal phalangeal head was entrapped by the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon. In case 2, the entire proximal phalangeal head had passed between the 2 FDS slips and become entrapped. Releasing the entrapment allowed reduction in both cases, after which the volar plate was repaired. At final follow-up, active PIP motion was 0° to 100° at 12 months in case 1 and -10° to 100° at 6 months in case 2, without lateral instability. Persistent irreducibility after restoration of the FDP tendon to its normal volar position should prompt direct inspection for entrapment of the proximal phalangeal head by the FDS tendon.

Although early mobilization is essential for functional recovery after phalangeal fractures, many fixation methods still require prolonged immobilization, increasing the risk of joint stiffness. We herein describe a simple, safe, and low-cost technique that combines intramedullary Kirschner wires (K-wires) with external connection, adapted from the Ulson method, which was originally developed for distal radius fractures. The procedure consists of closed reduction under fluoroscopy followed by the insertion of two 1.0-mm intramedullary wires. The external ends of these wires are bent and connected, forming a stable frame that enables immediate mobilization without the need for immobilization. The technique provided stable fixation, reliable bone healing, and early rehabilitation, with a low complication rate. It represents a practical and reproducible option, especially useful in resource-limited settings.

Although early mobilization is essential for functional recovery after phalangeal fractures, many fixation methods still require prolonged immobilization, increasing the risk of joint stiffness. We herein describe a simple, safe, and low-cost technique that combines intramedullary Kirschner wires (K-wires) with external connection, adapted from the Ulson method, which was originally developed for distal radius fractures. The procedure consists of closed reduction under fluoroscopy followed by the insertion of two 1.0-mm intramedullary wires. The external ends of these wires are bent and connected, forming a stable frame that enables immediate mobilization without the need for immobilization. The technique provided stable fixation, reliable bone healing, and early rehabilitation, with a low complication rate. It represents a practical and reproducible option, especially useful in resource-limited settings.

This case report describes a very rare presentation of multifocal diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) involving multiple rays and associated with forefoot Charcot neuroarthropathy. Based on magnetic resonance imaging findings and subsequent histopathological examination, the osteomyelitis was confirmed to be confined to the second and third metatarsals, the proximal phalanges of the hallux and second toe, and the metatarsal head and proximal phalangeal base of the fourth ray. Treatment consisted of complete resection of all infected bone in accordance with the principles of internal pedal amputation. The defects created following second-ray metatarsectomy and proximal phalangectomy of the hallux were filled with antibiotic-impregnated bone cement. At the 1-year follow-up, following this limb-sparing procedure, the patient was pain-free, free of infection, and able to bear full weight.

Introduction Injuries sustained by professional athletes can severely impact seasonal performance and future abilities. The aim of this study was to characterize the impact of phalanx, thumb, metacarpal, and carpal injuries on the performance of athletes in the National Football League (NFL). Analyzing outcomes for football players is significant because the functional demands of each position vary widely. Methods NFL players who sustained phalanx, thumb, metacarpal, or carpal fractures from the 2012-2013 to 2022-2023 seasons were identified using the public database Pro Sports Transactions. Performance data were extracted from Pro Football Reference, including player position and the number of games missed, as well as the number of games played, games started, and snap counts in the seasons prior to and following injury. Players were excluded from the study if additional injuries were sustained at the time of the hand/wrist injury or if insufficient data were available to confirm the injury. Descriptive statistics were performed to characterize the cohort. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05 and assessed using a single-factor ANOVA. Results A total of 304 players sustained a phalanx, thumb, metacarpal, or carpal injury, with three players having injuries in two of these categories: metacarpal, n = 110 (35.8%); carpal, n = 80 (26.1%); thumb, n = 78 (25.4%); and phalangeal, n = 39 (12.7%). Linebackers (14.6%) and wide receivers (12.8%) were found to be most likely to suffer one of these injuries. Most occurred during the preseason or in September, near the start of the regular season (p < 0.001). The average number of games missed due to an injury was 5.5 games; by injury, carpal: 6.4, phalangeal: 5.8, thumb: 5.4, and metacarpal: 4.3 (p = 0.02). Sixty-five players were injured in their rookie season and 58 in their final season. These players were excluded from further performance analysis. The average change from games played in the preceding season to those in the following season was +1.0, with no significant difference when stratified by injury. The average change in games started was +0.5 games, with thumb injuries having the most significant impact, as games started increased by an average of 2.0 games (p = 0.08). The overall average change in snap counts was +72.8; by injury, phalangeal: +120.1, carpal: +31.5, thumb: +125.7, and metacarpal: +50.0. Safeties had the greatest decrease in games played, with an average of 0.8 fewer, as well as the greatest decrease in games started, with an average of 2.0 fewer starts after injury. Safeties also had the largest decline in snap counts, with an average of 94.9 fewer snaps after injury. Conclusions Phalanx, thumb, metacarpal, and carpal fractures are common injuries in NFL players, with an average of about 25 recorded per season, and they have a measurable impact on player performance. Players missed an average of more than 5 games due to these injuries, which is nearly a third of a normal season. Fifty-eight players did not return to the NFL, suggesting that hand injuries may be costly to both players and organizations and should be carefully managed by trainers and medical staff. However, there was an overall improvement in performance among the players who returned the following season, which varied greatly depending on the position of the player. This study should help guide team physicians in anticipating the impact on players after a hand injury based on their position.

Meissner corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors involved in tactile discrimination in human glabrous hand skin. Detailed information on their regional distribution and variation across age, sex, and hand side remains limited. This study mapped Meissner corpuscles in 17 phalangeal and palmar regions from 46 individuals (27 male and 19 female) aged 3-92 years. Corpuscles were identified by S100 protein immunoreactivity. Density, the Meissner corpuscle index relative to dermal papillae, and equivalent circular diameter (ECD) were assessed using prespecified morphometric procedures. Descriptive comparisons were made across 17 hand regions. For distal-phalanx density, a secondary aggregate-level analysis compared 20 matched means per age group (five digits × two sexes × two hands). Density was higher in all 20 combinations in both consecutive age-group comparisons before 40 years and lower in all 20 in both comparisons after 40 years (exact two-sided sign-test p = 1.91 × 10[-6]; Holm-adjusted p = 7.63 × 10[-6] for each comparison). Sex- and hand-side analyses showed no consistent directional pattern among the aggregate means (all Holm-adjusted p = 1.000). The Meissner corpuscle index was descriptively highest in the 21- to 40-year group, whereas ECD was higher in the 21- to 40- and 41- to 60-year groups and markedly lower after 60 years. The study provides a detailed anatomical map and identifies a uniform age-related directional pattern in the retained aggregate distal-phalanx data. Because subject-level observations were unavailable for reanalysis, the statistical findings quantify directional consistency among aggregate means and should not be interpreted as subject-level inference.