Phalanx of foot

A phalanx of the foot is one of the digital bones that make up the toes. Each toe (except the hallux, or great toe) has three phalanges: proximal, middle, and distal. The hallux has only two: proximal and distal. Each phalanx consists of a base (proximal end), a shaft (body), and a head (distal end). The base articulates proximally with either the metatarsal (for the proximal phalanx) or the preceding phalanx (for middle and distal phalanges), while the head articulates distally with the next phalanx or forms the tip of the toe in the case of the distal phalanx.

The phalanges are tubular bones with a cortical shell and a medullary cavity. The proximal phalanges are the largest and most robust, especially in the hallux, reflecting their role in weight-bearing and propulsion. The middle and distal phalanges are progressively shorter and thinner, following a proximodistal gradient of shortening.

The plantar aspect of the proximal phalanx is closely associated with the plantar plate, collateral ligaments, and flexor tendons.