Hallux Rigidus

Excerpt

Hallux rigidus (Latin for “stiff toe”) is a condition that refers to degenerative arthritis of the first MTP joint. Nicoladoni first described the condition in 1881, but it was popularized in 1887 by Davies Colley, who coined the term hallux flexus to describe the plantarflexed position of the proximal phalanx relative to the metatarsal head. During the same year, Cotterill described the term hallux rigidus to characterize the painful limitation of motion of the first MTP joint. Finally, the term hallux limitus was only reported in 1931 by Hiss. Today, hallux limitus is widely referred to when there is a limitation at the first MTP range of motion, while hallux rigidus is reserved for joints with nearly no movement.

Various etiologies for the condition have been postulated, and an extensive list of treatment options. This review discusses the evaluation and management of each hallux rigidus stage.