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Defining and Evaluating Claw Toe and Hammertoe Deformity: A Scoping Review and Questionnaire Study.
Marieke A Mens1, Sjoerd A S Stufkens1, Tessa Busch-Westbroek1
1*Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
|October 30, 2025
Summary
Definitions and assessment methods for claw toe and hammertoe deformities lack consensus among specialists and in literature. Standardized evaluation methods are needed for better clinical communication and analysis of these common foot deformities.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Podiatry
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Claw toe and hammertoe deformities are common foot conditions.
- Existing literature and clinical practice show varied definitions and assessment methods for these deformities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review definitions and assessment methods for claw toe and hammertoe deformities in literature and clinical practice.
- To identify inconsistencies and lack of consensus among different medical specialties.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review of electronic databases for definitions and assessment methods.
- A questionnaire survey distributed to orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, and podiatrists.
Main Results:
- Multiple definitions for hammertoe (16) and claw toe (11) deformities exist in the literature.
- Clinical definitions varied, often involving proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) hyperflexion and metatarsophalangeal joint hyperextension.
- Quantitative assessment methods were limited, with visual assessment being predominant.
Conclusions:
- A significant lack of consensus exists regarding the definition and assessment of claw toe and hammertoe deformities.
- The absence of standardized, validated evaluation tools hinders effective clinical communication and analysis.
- Further research is needed to establish standardized diagnostic criteria and assessment methodologies.
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