Surface Palpation - Elbow, Wrist, and Hand - Joints and Joint Motions
Proximal Interphalangeal Joints of the Fingers
Standing, sitting, or lying supine
 
Lateral to the patient
 
May I touch your hand? (or point to the demonstrated area) Now please bend and straighten your fingers (or demonstrate).
The proximal interphalangeal joints are formed by the distal end of the proximal phalanges and the proximal end of the middle phalanges. With the patient relaxed, palpate the convex proximal phalanges as they articulate with the concave middle phalanges of the 4 fingers. Palpate the joint during flexion and extension motions.
VH ñ close up of the hand skeleton, no muscles