All joints
Joint guide
PIP joints (middle joints)
The middle hinge of each finger (except the thumb). It bends a lot in daily tasks and is often where stiffness shows up first after injury or swelling.
Diagram
Schematic for orientation — not a substitute for imaging or an in-person exam.
Digit-specific guides
Pages for each finger ray and hinge that roll up to this joint family.
Related anatomy topics
Sources & further reading
We cite major society patient education, NIH institute pages, and MedlinePlus for naming and general joint context. Links open in a new tab; access dates help you judge currency when guidelines update.
- Arthritis of the hand — OrthoInfo — American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons(accessed 2026-04-24)
- Hand and wrist anatomy — American Society for Surgery of the Hand(accessed 2026-04-24)
- Hand injuries and disorders — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)(accessed 2026-04-24)