Lesser toe deformities

Question 1

What are lesser toe deformities?

Answer 1

These are conditions in which there is an acquired imbalance between the flexors and extensors, causing deformation of the toe position

Question 2

What are the 4 main types of lesser toe deformity?

Answer 2

• Claw toe
• Hammer toe
• Mallet toe
• Curly toe

Question 3

What causes claw toes?

Answer 3

Claw toes are caused by hyperextension at the MTPJ with flexion at the PIPJ and DIPJ

Question 4

What causes hammer toes?

Answer 4

Hammer toes are caused by PIPJ flexion, DIPJ extension and neutral MTPJ

Question 5

What are some symptoms of lesser toe deformity?

Answer 5

Painful calluses
Corns with skin breakdown
Observable deformity

Question 6

How will curly toe present?

Answer 6

Question 7

How will mallet toe present?

Answer 7

Question 8

How will hammer toe present?

Answer 8

Question 9

How will claw toe present?

Answer 9

Question 10

How are lesser toe deformities managed?

Answer 10

Toe sleeves and corn plasters can be used to prevent skin problems

Surgery can include tenotomies (Division of tendons), fusions or amputation