54 - Biomechanics of Hallux Limitus Flashcards
1
Q
Definition of hallux limitus
A
- Deformity of the 1st MPJ in which base of proximal phalanx of hallux is subluxed plantarly upon the 1st metatarsal head
- Hallux cannot dorsiflex 65° during propulsive phase of gait a,.nd this limitation of motion is called hallux limitus
- When all motion ceases, it is called hallux rigidus
2
Q
Hallux limitus vs rigidus
A
- Some consider hallux limitus to be the pathology that leads to the deformity of hallux rigidus
3
Q
Patient presentation in hallux limitus/rigidus
A
- Marked by patient’s complaint of pain
- Grinding and limited motion at the 1st MTPJ
- Dorsal bump on the 1st metatarsal head
- Combined with radiographic findings
4
Q
Osseous compression
A
- Osseous compression occurs on dorsal aspect of 1st MPJ
- Dorsal aspect of proximal phalanx jams into upper 1/3
of articular surface of metatarsal head which results in DJD
5
Q
Bony prominence
A
- Could be secondary to the position of the metatarsal head
- Could also be secondary to an osteophyte located here
6
Q
Etiologies: Hypermobility
A
- Hypermobility of 1st ray, in association with eversion of the foot caused by abnormal STJ pronation in a rectus foot type
- Hypermobility caused by inadequate plantar stabilization by peroneus longus
- Hypermobility with eversion needed so that medial force will dorsiflex 1st metatarsal
7
Q
Increased forefoot pressures
A
Foot types that increase medial forefoot force will lead to hallux limitus
o Everted calcaneus
o Everted forefoot: plantarflexed 1st ray or flexible FF valgus (both load the 1st ray sooner with greater force)
8
Q
What is necessary for normal 1st MPJ motion?
A
- 1st Ray plantarflexion
- 2nd Metatarsal longer than the 1st (normal parabola or arc)
- Normal intrinsic and extrinsic muscle function
- Normal sesamoid function (arthritis or damage to the sesamoids can prevent the metatarsal from sliding over the sesamoids smoothly)
- Intact base of the proximal phalanx
9
Q
1st MPJ function in gait – from midstance to toe-off
A
- Hinge motion for the first 20 ° of motion in the joint
- Arthroidal motion is the sliding motion with plantarflexion of 1st ray with heel lift, STJ supination, and normal sesamoid function – includes dorsiflexion to end ROM during propulsion with 35 ° knee flexion and 20 ° ankle plantarflexion
10
Q
Hinge motion
A
- Hinge motion encompasses the 1st 20 degrees MPJ motion
- Arthrodial motion occurs at 20 degrees
- Diagram
o I = Rolling motion
o II & III = Tangential represent sliding
o IV = Compression from velocity
11
Q
Cam-shaped metatarsal head
A
- Here is an example of the cam-shaped metatarsal head (cam shaped means not quite round – somewhat off-centered and somewhat oval shaped)
- Design of the head is the shape of a cam, rolling, sliding and compression occur
12
Q
ROM of MPJ
A
- Average ROM is 55-85, (amount of dorsiflexion needed 65-75) for gait
- Propulsive phase of gait
o Hip extension
o Knee flexion
o Ankle plantarflexion - As the 1st ray plantarflexes, it slides proximally
13
Q
Etiologies
A
- Hypermobility (already discussed)
- Pronating (everted) foot type
- Immobilization of the 1st ray
- Excessively long metatarsal
- Metatarsus primus elevatus
- High heels
- Trauma
14
Q
Etiology: Pronating (everted) foot type **
A
- Peroneus longus is responsible for plantaflexion of the 1st ray with stabilization of the lesser tarsus during gait
- In a normal foot, the peroneus longus travels along the cuboid on its way to the navicular and proximal portion of the first metatarsal – running parallel to the WB surface of the foot
- If an individual is a pronator, there is widening present in the midtarsal region (“splaying”)
- The everted position of the calcaneus causes the widening, but also causes the peroneus longus tendon to be closer to the ground during WB
- This prevents the peroneus longus from achieving a mechanical advantage along the midtarsal joints and leads to instability (peroneus longus is not able to tighten up the midtarsal joint during gait for stability)
- Over time, the attachment of the peroneus longus on the navicular shifts to become more laterally located and less plantarly, further decreasing the mechanical advantage of the peroneus longus and the peroneus longus is no longer effective at plantarflexion
- THIS CONCEPT IS IMPORTANT
15
Q
Etiology: Immobilization of the 1st ray
A
- Arthritis at the 1st metatarsal-cuneiform joint
- Acquired in long standing cases of abnormal STJ pronation due to subluxation at 1st met-cuneiform joint
- Calcaneal-navicular synostosis (prevents mobilization of the 1st ray)
- Will not be able to achieve the plantarflexion necessary to get the metatarsal to line up correctly