Middle Finger

Disclaimer: This is a not a real human hand

The middle finger is a popular salute used among health care professionals. Most commonly, it is a gift given by graduating residents to their now-former attendings.^[1] The middle finger should never be given to a patient. However, in rare scenarios, the middle finger may be used to probe their orifices if the other fingers prove to short.

How Do I Locate My Middle Finger?

If you look at your left hand with the dorsum facing you, it is the third finger counting in from the pinky or the thumb.
If you look at your left hand with the palm facing you, it is the third finger counting in from the pinky or the thumb.
If you look at your right hand with the dorsum facing you, it is the third finger counting in from the pinky or the thumb.
If you look at your right hand with the palm facing you, it is the third finger counting in from the pinky or the thumb.
Side note: this is based on the assumption you have five fingers on a hand. If not, then finding the middle finger becomes incredibly tricky.

How Can I Be Extra Sure?

Start with a plain film from the hands, then confirm with both a CT and MRI of bilateral hands. Afterwards, radiologists often recommend serial scans at 6 month intervals to ensure stability in the position of the middle finger.

Related Reading

- Finger Food

- Foot

- Handwashing

- Manual Disimpaction

- Pedal Pulse

- Peter Edelstein

- Temper Tantrum

References