Injuries to the great toe

Injuries to the great toe are common in athletes. While most are managed nonoperatively and allow return to sports activity, some great toe injuries are highly problematic and can impact function. The purpose of this review is to highlight several specific injuries and disease processes involving the hallux and to detail current recommendations and management options in order to help raise suspicion for injuries that can result in long-term dysfunction.

Toe injuries have been found to represent nearly 10% of injuries presenting to fracture clinics. While most injuries can be treated nonsurgically, there are a number of specific injuries that require a high index of suspicion, careful management, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Injuries detailed in this review include turf toe, traumatic bunion, and hallux and sesamoid fractures. Additional pathologies that are covered include sesamoiditis and sesamoid avascular necrosis as well as hallux rigidus. Appropriate workup and current treatment recommendations are discussed. Injuries to the hallux can result in long-term pain and disability if not properly diagnosed and treated. A high index of suspicion is required.