Answer :
Final answer:
Phalanges are the bones in the fingers, and the proximal phalanx is one of three types of phalanges in each finger (except for the thumb with two).
Explanation:
There are 14 bones that make up the fingers, and each of these bones is called a phalanx. The phalanges are classified into three types per finger: proximal, middle, and distal, except for the thumb, which has two: proximal and distal. When a fracture occurs, it is important to identify it according to which finger is affected, which hand it is on, and the part of the phalanx that is fractured (proximal, middle, or distal).
The nondisplaced fracture mentioned in the student's question refers to a type of fracture where the bone cracks either part or all of the way through but does not move and maintains its proper alignment. Specifically, for the student's question, the proximal phalanx of the left little finger (fifth digit) is affected. In the ICD-10 coding system, such a fracture would be coded with specific details chronicling the exact location of the fracture on the patient's body.
