Avulsion fracture of the great toe: a case report

A case involving an isolated bony avulsion fracture of the extensor insertion on the distal phalanx of the great toe is described. The fracture was displaced 2 mm with 30 degrees dorsal angulation; the joint was congruent and not subluxed. The patient was treated nonsurgically with a rigid-soled sandal. Bony healing at the fracture site was clearly evident at 16 weeks postinjury. The patient began using a normal shoe at 10 weeks and resumed his running activities without pain at 16 weeks. The nonsurgical treatment of this injury, similar to that of a mallet finger, was successful.