Injuries to the great toe.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Podiatry

Background:

• Great toe injuries are prevalent in athletic populations.
• While many toe injuries resolve with conservative treatment, some lead to significant functional impairment.
• Early recognition of specific hallux pathologies is key to preventing chronic disability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common and complex injuries and diseases of the great toe (hallux).
• To outline current diagnostic and management strategies for these conditions.
• To emphasize the importance of identifying injuries that can cause long-term dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of specific great toe injuries and pathologies.
• Discussion of current diagnostic workup and treatment recommendations.
• Focus on conditions including turf toe, traumatic bunion, hallux and sesamoid fractures, sesamoiditis, sesamoid avascular necrosis, and hallux rigidus.

Main Results:

• Toe injuries constitute approximately 10% of cases in fracture clinics.
• Specific injuries like turf toe, traumatic bunion, and fractures require a high index of suspicion.
• Conditions such as sesamoiditis and hallux rigidus can lead to persistent pain and disability if not managed appropriately.

Conclusions:

• A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosing problematic great toe injuries.
• Proper diagnosis and timely intervention are critical for athletes to avoid long-term pain and functional loss.
• This review provides guidance on managing various hallux pathologies to ensure optimal return to sports and daily activities.