hallux rigidus

Last reviewed 01/2018

Hallux rigidus literally means a stiff big toe.

It is more common in males.

Possible causes of this condition include:

• osteoarthritis
• trauma
• splitting osteochondritis of the first metatarsal head
• gout or pseudogout

Notes:

• structural alterations of the first metatarsophalangeal joint are described as either hallux limitus or hallux rigidus
  • term used depends on the magnitude of available joint motion and the severity of joint degeneration
    • hallux limitus is characterized by restricted sagittal plane motion (primarily dorsiflexion) caused by periarticular osteophytes; whereas hallux rigidus displays an absence of joint motion due to end stage degenerative joint disease and subsequent joint ankylosis
    • although the terms are often used interchangeably, hallux rigidus has been adopted by the World Health Organization in the International Classification of Diseases

Reference:

• World Health Organization: International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision; 2007.