Great Toe

Description

AP X-ray. Moderate hallux valgus.

Illustration of some of the great toe anatomy

Anatomy drawing of the 1st MTP joint-dorsal view. The 1st metatarsal was removed to permit the visualization of all anatomical structures of the joint.

Name

• Great Toe
• Hallux
• Big toe
• 1st digit of foot
• Digiti pedis primus
• Digitus I pedis

General

• Located on the medial side of the foot, representing the first digit

Anatomy

• Composed of a proximal and distal phalanx
• These articulate to form the interphalangeal joint
• Proximal phalanx articulates with proximal metatarsal, forms first metatarsophalangeal joint
• Two paired Hallux Sesamoid ossicles are found beneath the head of the first metatarsal
  • The sesamoids are embedded within the medial/lateral slips of the flexor hallucis brevis tendon
  • Function: absorb weight bearing, reduce friction at head of metatarsal

Action

• Assists with providing additional leverage when pushing off the ground during running or walking

Muscles Acting on the Great Toe

• Flexors
  • Flexor Hallucis Longus
  • Flexor Hallucis Brevis
• Extensors
  • Extensor Hallucis Longus
  • Extensor Hallucis Brevis
• Other
  • Adductor Hallucis
  • Abductor Hallucis

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Clinical Significance

• Turf Toe
• Plantar Plate Tear
• Sesamoiditis
• Hallux Sesamoid Fracture
• Metatarsal Fracture
• Metatarsal Stress Fracture
• Toe Dislocation
• Toe Fracture
• Hallux Rigidus (1st MTPJ OA)
• Gout

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See Also

• Foot Anatomy Main
• Foot Pain Main
• Physical Exam Foot

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