| − | The proximal phalanx is shaped like an hourglass and is wider proximally than distally. Proximally, it has two shallow articular surfaces separated by a small sagittal groove; the medial cavity is larger than the lateral cavity. Distally there are two convex areas separated by a sagittal groove. | + | The proximal phalanx is shaped like an hourglass and is wider proximally than distally. Proximally, it has two shallow articular surfaces separated by a small '''sagittal groove'''; the medial cavity is larger than the lateral cavity. The saggital groove accepts the saggital ridge of the distal third metacarpal (cannon) bone. Distally there are two convex areas separated by a sagittal groove to accept the proximal articulation of the middle phalanx. The proximal phalanx is approximately twice the length of the middle phalanx. |