Stubbing Injuries to the Hallux

Abstract

Stubbing injuries to the hallux, previously unreported, result in specific fractures and fracture dislocations of the interphalangeal joint. In the six cases seen, the initial injury remained unrecognized for 3 to 6 weeks. The mechanism of injury consisted of stubbing the hallux while barefoot, driving it proximally and dorsally. The mildest injury consisted of single or multiple relative undisplaced fractures of either the lateral or medial condyle of the proximal phalanx. Further force resulted in condylar displacement and rotation to complete dorsal dislocation of the distal phalanx, carrying with it either one or both condyles. Treatment in these relatively symptomatic late cases was expectant. One patient ultimately required an interphalangeal fusion.