Pathological Toe Postures

Question 1

Claw Toe - Deviation

Answer 1

Progressive contracture of the interosseous and/or lumbrical muscles

Question 2

Claw Toe - Description

Answer 2

Hyperextension of the MTP joint and flexion of the PIP and DIP joints.
Affect the lateral four toes.

Question 3

Hammer Toe - Deviation

Answer 3

Contractures of the associated toe extensors and flexors.

Inability of the interosseous muscles to hold the proximal phalanx in the neutral position.

Question 4

Hammer Toe - Description

Answer 4

Hyperextension of the MTP and DIP joints and flexion of the PIP joints of the lateral four toes.

Question 5

Morton’s Toe - Deviation

Answer 5

Although it appears that the 2nd toe is longer than the 1st.

Formed by the 1st MT being shorter than the 2nd.

Question 6

Morton’s Toe - Description

Answer 6

The posture of the foot is normal but the 2nd toe extends beyond the great toe.

Question 7

Hallux Valgus - Deviation

Answer 7

Over time, there is a gradual subluxation of the 1st MTP joint.
A bunion will develop on the medial border of the 1st MTP joint.
Lateral displacement of the great toe may interfere with the function of the 2nd toe.

Question 8

Hallux Valgus - Description

Answer 8

The 1st MTP joint exceeds an angle of 20 in the frontal plane.
The 1st and 2nd toes may overlap.