Stubbing injuries to the hallux

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Podiatry
• Traumatology

Background:

• Stubbing injuries to the hallux are a common occurrence.
• Specific fractures and dislocations of the hallux interphalangeal joint have not been previously reported.
• Delayed recognition of hallux injuries can complicate treatment and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a previously unreported type of hallux injury resulting from stubbing.
• To detail the mechanism of injury, fracture patterns, and clinical presentation.
• To discuss the management and outcomes of these injuries.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of six patients with hallux stubbing injuries.
• Analysis of injury mechanism, radiographic findings, and clinical course.
• Review of treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Six cases of hallux stubbing injuries were identified.
• Injuries involved fractures and fracture-dislocations of the interphalangeal joint.
• Delayed diagnosis (3-6 weeks) was common.
• Fracture patterns ranged from undisplaced condylar fractures to complete dorsal dislocation.
• Most cases were managed expectantly, with one requiring interphalangeal fusion.

Conclusions:

• Stubbing injuries to the hallux can result in unique interphalangeal joint fractures and dislocations.
• These injuries may be easily missed or misdiagnosed initially.
• Understanding the mechanism and radiographic appearance is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate management.